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Heathrow Expansion Incompatible with UK Legal Climate Targets, Major Report Finds

Experts said aviation emissions would exceed Parliament’s carbon budget before the runway opens, with Heathrow’s capacity set to rise to 756,000 flights.

  • On Tuesday, the public consultation on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement closed, prompting Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan to demand the government reject the proposed third runway over climate concerns.
  • New modelling from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, commissioned by Friends of the Earth, shows UK aviation will overshoot legal carbon budgets even before a third runway is built.
  • Heathrow Airport argued expansion is "critical to national growth," claiming it would unlock over 100,000 jobs and boost British trade by £150bn while providing "viable and funded solutions" for transport.
  • The Back Heathrow campaign dismissed council opposition as "not representative" of residents, while a cross-party coalition continues urging Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to withdraw government support.
  • Ministers will "carefully consider all responses" before setting out next steps later this year, with expansion remaining contingent on meeting strict climate and environmental obligations under Keir Starmer's government.
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The Independent broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
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