Ed Miliband 'objected to Heathrow expansion at Cabinet'

Ed Miliband objected to building a third runway at Heathrow just a day before the Chancellor gave the Government's backing for expansion, it has been revealed.

The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary is reported to have argued against expanding Europe's busiest airport at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

According to The Telegraph, Mr Miliband voiced concerns about the environmental impact of a third runway during the weekly meeting of top ministers.

But, little more than 24 hours later, Rachel Reeves used a major speech to put Heathrow expansion at the centre of her new economic growth plan.

The Chancellor claimed an extension of the west London site was 'badly needed' because 'for decades its growth has been constrained'. 

In a sign of Cabinet tensions over the Chancellor's public support for further developing Heathrow, Mr Miliband has so far remained silent on the issue.

He did not attend Ms Reeves' speech in Oxfordshire, despite many other ministers attending, and was not seen at Prime Minister's Questions later the same day.

By contrast, Environment Secretary Steve Reed - who like Mr Miliband is a past critic of Heathrow expansion - offered public backing for Ms Reeves' plans within hours.

Mr Reed claimed supporting a third runway was 'in line with the Government's climate and environmental commitments'.

Despite being a consistent opponent of Heathrow expansion during his political career, Mr Miliband has insisted he won't resign over the Chancellor's decision.

He has told allies it is important a vocal supporter of climate issues remains in the Cabinet.

Mr Miliband is also said to have enjoyed a victory in consent for a third runway only being granted if the Department for Transport can meet its carbon budget.

Asked earlier this week if Mr Miliband was fully behind her Heathrow plans, Ms Reeves said: 'Yes, we are all united as a Cabinet backing these plans.'

A spokesman for Mr Miliband said they would not comment on discussions at Cabinet meetings.

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has emerged as the biggest opponent of Heathrow expansion since Ms Reeves' announcement on Wednesday.

The Labour politician vowed to block a third runway 'with any tool in the toolkit'.

Sir Sadiq said he remains opposed to Heathrow expansion because of its impact on noise, air pollution and meeting the UK’s climate change targets.

He added the last plans for a third runway at Heathrow involved building a tunnel under the M25 motorway and bulldozing a village.