Committee publication · Correspondence · 1 July 2026
Letter from the from the Secretary of State for Transport relating to the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, 18 June 2026
Summary
The Secretary of State for Transport announces the launch of a public consultation on the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS), running from 18 June to 1 September 2026. The renamed policy framework sets out Government's assessment of need for Heathrow expansion, the requirements any future third-runway application must meet, and four tests covering economic growth, carbon compatibility, air quality, and noise limits. Parliamentary scrutiny will accompany the consultation before any final decision.
Key findings
- Government has completed its review of the Airports National Policy Statement and renamed it HENPS to clarify it applies only to Heathrow expansion and associated infrastructure.
- Heathrow expansion could boost UK economy and support more than 60,000 jobs, with the airport operating at capacity for many years and demand expected to grow.
- Four mandatory tests established: economic growth contribution, carbon compatibility with UK climate targets, no new air quality limit breaches, and noise no worse than 2024 baseline.
- Government plans to designate Heathrow expansion as Critical National Growth Infrastructure (CNGI), signalling its national importance in the planning balance.
- Parliamentary Select Committee will undertake scrutiny alongside the consultation; any amended HENPS will be laid before Parliament and subject to a Commons vote before taking legal effect.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP (Secretary of State for Transport), Toby Perkins MP (Environmental Audit Committee), Heathrow Airport Limited, Planning Inspectorate, Civil Aviation Authority, Parliamentary Select Committee
Notable line
“Expansion therefore has the potential to improve connectivity, strengthen resilience and support economic growth across the United Kingdom …”
Key Quotes
“The Government has always been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK's legally binding climate change obligations and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.”
“Heathrow is the United Kingdom's only hub airport. It connects businesses to global markets, supports trade and tourism, and plays a vital role in the movement of passengers and freight.”
“This document does not grant development consent, nor does it approve any specific expansion scheme. Any application would remain subject to the statutory Development Consent Order process, including independent examination by the Planning Inspectorate.”
“The Government is committed to ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence and meaningful public engagement.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗