LONDON -- British Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced on Wednesday that the government will support plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, a decision that has drawn criticism over its potential impact on the environment.

Speaking inside the Siemens factory in Oxfordshire, Reeves emphasized that economic growth remains the government's top priority, in order to cut hospital waiting lists, increase police presence, and achieve the country's climate targets.

The Heathrow airport project is "badly needed", the chancellor said, adding that it would create 100,000 jobs. Reeves is aiming for proposals to be brought forward by the summer.

Located just 15 miles west of London, Heathrow Airport's expansion has been a topic of debate since it was first proposed by Gordon Brown's government in 2009. As one of the world's busiest airports, the project has long faced opposition from local residents, due to concerns over noise pollution, safety risks, and rising carbon emissions.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has been outspoken in his opposition to the third runway, insisting that any plans must include measures to mitigate noise and carbon emissions. Following the chancellor's announcement, Khan told BBC London that he would challenge the expansion by any means necessary, including legal action.

Heathrow is the UK's busiest airport, handling more than 80 million travelers annually across its four passenger terminals and two runways. If approved, the planning process could take over 15 years, with completion of the third runway expected by 2040.