The GMB Union, one of the United Kingdom’s largest trade unions, is calling for “spades in the ground” as renewed debate over the planned expansion of London Heathrow Airport (LHR) once again puts the proposed third runway in the spotlight.
The union argues that Heathrow, which it describes as “Britain’s biggest port by value,” is being held back by the UK’s slow planning system. Rather than abandoning what it considers one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects, the GMB says the planning process should be accelerated.
Last year, £293 billion worth of goods passed through Heathrow, representing more than 25 percent of all UK trade by value.
“Opponents of this runway will try to dress up a timetable as a verdict. It isn’t one. A project taking longer to build is not a reason not to build it. It’s a reason to start now,” said Warren Kenny, London Regional Secretary of the GMB Union.
He argued that Heathrow has made clear that planning and red tape are responsible for the delays and said politicians have the ability to remove those obstacles.
“The Chancellor is right to be clearing bottlenecks, and we want to see that go further and faster. Finalise the framework, hold the vote and get building,” Kenny said.
The union says 108,000 jobs are linked to the expansion decision and warned that continued delays would mean lost opportunities for apprenticeships, contracts and wages.
“Every year of dithering is a year of apprenticeships not started, contracts not signed and wages not paid. Our members aren’t waiting for 2039. The jobs start the day the spades go in the ground,” he added.
Kenny also highlighted the role of GMB members in Heathrow’s existing operations, saying workers are ready to support the airport’s next phase of development.
“GMB members keep Heathrow running every day. They’re ready to build what comes next. Let’s get building,” he said.
The union has also pushed back against attempts to use Heathrow’s revised timeline for the expansion as an argument for cancelling the third runway altogether.
Heathrow currently estimates that it can secure planning permission by 2029 and open the new runway within a decade.
“It’s right that ambitious targets were set, the sooner expansion begins the sooner the whole UK will benefit,” a London Heathrow spokesperson said.
“Our focus has always been to secure planning permission by 2029. Once achieved the runway will be open within a decade – and the benefits of expansion can be felt from today.”
According to Heathrow, the project would generate at least 108,000 new jobs and bring billions of pounds of investment into supply chains across the country.
“This is a national project, 100 percent privately financed which will support growth today and secure the UK’s position in the global economy once the runway opens,” the spokesperson said.
Heathrow also stressed the wider economic role of the project, saying expansion would create jobs and stimulate growth across every part of the UK.
“Critically, expanding Heathrow is a national project which will create jobs and boost growth in every part of the country. That’s why it is supported by trade unions, business groups, airports and communities across the UK and why we need to crack on with delivering it as quickly as possible.”
The airport also reaffirmed its commitment to working with surrounding communities to ensure that the expansion plans are delivered responsibly. Heathrow said recent polling involving local voices has indicated support for the expansion.
International competitiveness is another central argument being made by the union in favour of the third runway.
The GMB says Heathrow is already operating at full capacity, with two runways and no spare capacity available for further growth.
“Every year without a third runway is a year that new trade goes to France, Germany and the Netherlands instead of Britain,” the union said, underlining its concern that delays could affect the UK’s position in international trade and aviation.
