Zara Sultana has lashed out at Keir Starmer for his government’s support of Heathrow Airport expansion plans (Image: Getty)
A Labour MP has blasted as “reckless” for backing Heathrow expansion plans as the party’s civil war deepens.
A bitter feud has erupted within the Labour Party after announced plans to build a third runway at will proceed and could be completed by 2035.
Zarah Sultana, Labour MP for Coventry South, opposes the expansion and has slammed the Prime Minister for appearing to “U-turn” on his initial stance.
She wrote on X: “In 2018, the Prime Minister opposed a third runway at Heathrow.
“Now, in the middle of a climate emergency, his Government is backing it.
In 2018, the Prime Minister opposed a third runway at Heathrow.Now, in the middle of a climate emergency, his government is backing it. A complete U-turn at the expense of local communities and the planet. Reckless, short-sighted and indefensible.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana)
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“A complete U-turn at the expense of local communities and the planet.
“Reckless, short-sighted and indefensible.”
Several other key Labour figures, including Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, had also previously opposed an airport expansion.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has been locked in a heated clash with the Government since Reeves’ announcement.
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He opposes the project saying it will have a negative impact on air quality, noise, and London’s ability to reach net zero by 2030.
The mayor has warned he will “use any tool in the toolkit” to block Heathrow’s third runway.
Asked about the Labour mayor’s objections, the Chancellor said: “I have huge respect for Sadiq, but on this I know that sustainable aviation and economic growth can, and do, go hand-in-hand.
“The way that we fly has changed hugely in recent years, engines have become so much more efficient, reducing carbon emissions and also sustainable aviation fuel is changing the way that we fly with a mandate that came in at the beginning of this year.”
Asked whether Mr Miliband was fully behind the plans, Ms Reeves replied: “Yes, we are all united as a Cabinet backing these plans. We know that we have to grow our economy, we can’t keep saying no to big infrastructure projects.”
The announcement comes after years of heated debate, with the Government claiming the move could create 100,000 jobs.
But critics say it threatens harmful environmental impacts.
Alethea Warrington, head of aviation at climate charity Possible, said: “Approving airport expansions would be a catastrophic misstep for a Government which claims to be a climate leader.
“This huge increase in emissions won’t help our economy, and would just encourage the small group of frequent flyers who take most of the flights, further worsening the UK’s huge tourism deficit.”
Express.co.uk has approached Downing Street for comment.