Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye is set to respond today to the UK Government’s strong backing for the airport’s expansion, including plans for a third runway. Mr Woldbye is to announce the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history and confirm the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with Government by summer.
Heathrow will also sign the UK Steel Charter, aiming to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. The event will be attended and supported by many experts such as the Industry Minister Sarah Jones MP; Community Trade Union General Secretary Roy Rickhuss; Scunthorpe MP Sir Nic Dakin; Senior British Steel representatives; representatives from the BCC, CBI and GMB Union, and supporters from across industry and politics.
Gareth Stace, UK Steel Director-General, said: “Signing the UK Steel Charter is a vital commitment to strengthening Britain’s industrial backbone, ensuring our steel industry continues to support high-quality jobs, drive investment, and play a central role in the UK’s economic future. By prioritising UK-made steel in major projects, businesses can build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain, keeping value and expertise within the UK.”
“With the airport embarking on its largest-ever private investment programme, this commitment unlocks significant opportunities for UK steel producers and supply chains to help deliver critical national infrastructure. Backing UK steel means backing UK jobs, innovation, and long-term industrial growth, ensuring the benefits of Heathrow’s expansion are felt nationwide.” He added.
Zengwei An, British Steel CEO, said: “We’re proud to be backing a third runway and the proposed expansion of Heathrow. Major developments like this, which require huge volumes of steel, demonstrate why the UK must have a strong and vibrant steel manufacturing sector.”
Sir Nic Dakin MP (Scunthorpe) also expressed his feelings about the cooperation ,“It’s great to see Heathrow’s commitment to the UK Steel charter today, which is a big vote of confidence in Scunthorpe steel. The UK is built on construction steel made here in Scunthorpe thanks to our world class workforce. When British companies like Heathrow forge partnerships with our steel industry, working families up and down the country benefit.”
This privately funded programme to transform Heathrow’s current infrastructure, with early tangible benefits felt this year, starting with improvements within the airport’s existing space before working towards a third runway.
The plans will help the airport to be more efficient, reliable, and sustainable for all Heathrow passengers and airlines. This investment builds on the £2.3 billion funding announced in December, which focuses on enhancing service quality, strengthening resilience, and improving sustainability over the next two years.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones commented, “This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only supports thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government’s Industrial Strategy. Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK”.
He sees the potential for economic growth with this new development.