Figures connected with Luton Airport have called for a quick decision on whether to approve an expansion of the airport.

The comments were made after a speech by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves earlier this week said that the UK government backed plans for expansion of major airports in the UK.

Reeves had primarily announced that the government had supported plans to expand Heathrow Airport in West London, with the speech in Oxfordshire on Wednesday intended to outline support for infrastructure projects as part of a strategy to improve the UK’s economic growth.

Plans to expand Luton Airport had been submitted in 2023 during the previous Conservative government’s tenure, but a final decision on whether to approve expansion has been deferred three times by both the Conservative government and the Labour government that took charge last July.

The most recent announcement came in mid-December, where the government announced they would be pushing a final decision to April 3rd 2025 while the project is reviewed by recently appointed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. A decision had previously been expected in January.

Luton Airport’s proposals would involve expanding capacity so the airport would grow from an overall capacity of 19 million to 32 million passengers over the next two decades. The expansion project would include the construction of a second terminal and additional supporting infrastructure.

In statements, figures involved with the airport called for a quick decision to approve the expansion project.

Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer, London Luton Airport said, “We welcome the Chancellor’s growth speech today and now call on the Secretary of State for Transport to formalise the government’s approval of Luton’s expansion plans. Today, every £1 spent by passengers at the airport, allows the local authority to invest 53p directly into local community causes – 20 times more than any other UK airport.

“Luton is now at a tipping point with a generational opportunity to boost investment in public services further, which the airport’s growth will deliver. We are now focused on finalising our longer-term partnership with the council to make this expansion, the government’s growth policy, and Luton’s local ambition for sustainable economic growth a reality.”

Paul Kehoe CBE, the Independent Chair of the Luton-focused development company Luton Rising, said, “We welcome comments made by the Chancellor in her important speech on Wednesday, recognising the role of airports in delivering growth of the national economy. Our proposals can be supported by any government making economic growth its priority.

“Here at London Luton Airport we have a ready-to-go scheme that is primed to deliver an economic air-bridge for the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor and contribute to the success of the country.”

Luton Town have continued a busy week in football’s transfer market with the signings of Josh Bowler and Millenic Alli, while Tom Krauß and Allan Campbell have left the club.

Bowler, 25, joined the Hatters on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest, while 24-year-old forward Alli has arrived from League One outfit Exeter City on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.

The deals continue a busy window for the Championship strugglers, with Luton having signed six players. The Hatters had previously signed Christ Makosso, Isaiah Jones, Kal Naismith and Thelo Aasgaard, with the latter two have joined earlier this week.

Meanwhile, German midfielder Krauß has returned to parent club Mainz, with the 23-year-old’s loan deal from the Bundesliga outfit was terminated at the player’s request after he asked to leave for personal reasons. Luton confirmed the midfielder is seeking another loan move within Germany. He leaves after scoring two goals in 23 appearances for the Hatters.

Scottish midfielder Campbell, who finished a loan at Charlton earlier this month, has left on a permanent basis, with the 26-year-old joining Dundee United for an undisclosed fee and signing a deal to join the club for the rest of this current season. The deal sees Campbell leave after four years contracted to the club.

The two new faces at Kenilworth Road confirmed this week have been part of a busy week for Matt Bloomfield’s side ahead of Saturday’s trip (01/02) to Sheffield Wednesday, having signed Naismith and Aasgaard earlier this week.

Bowler joins Luton after spending the first half of this season on loan with Preston North End. He has previously had stints in the second tier with Hull City, Blackpool and Cardiff.

He told the official Luton Town website that following a conversation with Bloomfield, he felt like he was joining a club with a plan to use him.

He said, “I knew there was a bit of interest for me coming to Luton, and speaking to the manager, he said he’s quite fond of me and likes how I play.

“He remembered me from my time at Blackpool and Cardiff and was keen to get me in as I fit his system, so I’m really pleased to be here.

“I’ve played most of my games in the Championship, so I know the league inside out and I’m ready to get going.

“I’ve experienced playing at Kenilworth Road a few times and it’s always been one of those grounds that I’ve found tough to go to. To be able to play there week in, week out with those fans on my side is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The other announced arrival was that of Irish-born left-sided attacker Alli, who joins after scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances this season in League One for Exeter City. He had been with the Devon-based club for just over a year, having signed from Halifax in January 2024.

Alli said, “I’m very happy and I feel very blessed to be here at Luton Town. It’s a blessing and a great opportunity for me to see what I can do.”

On his journey up the football pyramid, he said: “It feels fantastic, very similar to this club in recent years. I started off quite low in Non-League, managed to be consistent and have worked really hard and played as well as I could. I’ve worked my way up and here I am today.”

Former MK Dons academy graduate Kevin Danso has signed for Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Danso, 26, has joined Spurs on loan from French side Lens with an obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The Austrian international had been close to joining Wolves, with rumours suggesting he had been set for a medical with the West Midlands club before making the move to North London instead.

The deal was not confirmed in time for Danso to play against Brentford today (02/02), in a match that Spurs won 2-0. The North Londoners are instead expecting to have him registered for their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Thursday (06/02).

Spurs’ decision to sign Danso comes amid an injury crisis which has seen multiple first-team players ruled out, including senior centre-backs Cristian Romero, Micky van der Ven and Radu Dragusin.

Danso didn’t make a senior appearance for MK Dons but spent several years in the youth academy set-up with the English club after moving to Milton Keynes as a child.

He would leave MK Dons to join German side Augsburg in 2014 as a teenager, making his competitive debut with the side from southern Germany.

After loan spells with Southampton and Fortuna Dusseldorf, he made a permanent move to join Lens in 2021. His form helped Lens qualify for last season’s Champions League, with Danso also being a regular in the competition itself.

Danso has also received 24 caps for the Austrian national team, including making appearances for them at last summer’s European Championships in Germany.

A branch of the US-based Mexican restaurant chain Taco Bell has opened at XScape in Central Milton Keynes.

The new leisure centre restaurant, which is now open and operated by Soul Foods, will be operating daily from 11am – 10pm.

The new restaurant is the second Taco Bell in Milton Keynes, to follow a previous site opened in 2021 near to Milton Keynes Central railway station and the Network Rail buildings.

Taco Bell provide a menu including meals and snacks like the Crunchwrap Supreme, Crunchy Taco Supreme, and Volcano Burrito alongside vegetarian options.

The restaurant is also spotlighting its Craving Value Menu ahead of the upcoming February school holidays, offering 10 items for just 99p each, including but not limited to the Crispy Chicken Soft Taco, the Mini Quesadilla and Seasoned Fries.

Chet Patel, Chief Marketing Officer of Taco Bell UK & Europe, said, “At Taco Bell, we’re world famous for our unique and craveable menu, flavour explosion and bold experiences from innovative new items to iconic classics. We’re excited to expand our unique brand culture with the people of Milton Keynes.”

Soul Food operates 8,500 restaurants across the UK and Canada, serving more than two billion customers each year. The UK remains a key focus for Taco Bell, with Xscape Milton Keynes becoming their 130th store in the country.

Dan Murphy, Centre Director at Xscape Milton Keynes, added, “We’re excited to welcome Taco Bell to our lineup of great dining options here at Xscape Milton Keynes. We’re driven to create a dynamic and welcoming environment where families can come together to enjoy a variety of activities, alongside sampling some delicious food that satisfies every appetite.

“With Taco Bell’s iconic Mexican-inspired flavours, we’re confident their offering will be a welcome addition for those looking for a quick bite to eat in-between a day filled with activities.”