Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned fellow Labour politicians, including Sadiq Khan and Ed Miliband, not to obstruct her economic growth plans. She has taken a firm stance against “small pressure groups” and “blockers” who prioritize their own interests over the nation’s progress.
Reeves emphasized that opposing her proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, set to introduce reforms next week, would be “defying the will of the country” and hindering economic growth.
While her comments target both Tory and Labour MPs, many believe they are aimed at left-leaning Labour members who oppose her approach to green policies.
The Bill, expected in the spring, seeks to ease planning rules to allow more housing developments near train stations and expand airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton.
Reeves has pledged to build 1.5 million homes over five years by removing restrictions that delay projects, a move seen as prioritizing economic growth over environmental goals.
Labour members aligned with net-zero commitments, such as Ed Miliband and Sadiq Khan, have voiced concerns over the potential environmental impact. Miliband calls the pursuit of net-zero targets “unstoppable,” while Khan has threatened legal action over Heathrow’s third runway.
Despite their opposition, Reeves remains committed, warning she will not tolerate resistance for resistance’s sake. She emphasized that robust debates are welcome but urged against unnecessary delays that hinder progress.
The government has also pushed back against environmental impact assessments, claiming they have become costly and obstructive rather than helpful for decision-making. Reeves’ reforms aim to cut red tape and fast-track key projects to boost economic development.
Since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister, nine major infrastructure projects, including airports, housing, and energy farms, have been approved. This is part of the government’s broader efforts to streamline planning processes and stimulate growth across the UK.
