Andy Burnham Raises Doubts Over Heathrow Expansion, Citing Long-Held Opposition
Reports suggest the UK politician informed colleagues he has never supported the project, despite government backing.
Fresh doubts have emerged regarding the expansion of Heathrow Airport, following claims that Andy Burnham has reiterated his long-standing opposition to the project in private meetings with Members of Parliament. Sources indicate that Burnham, who holds a significant position within the Labour party, informed colleagues that he has "never been in favour" of the expansion.
These reported comments contrast with recent statements from Chancellor John Healey, who told the House of Commons earlier this month that the government continues to support the scheme. Burnham's past criticisms of the third runway proposal are well-documented. As the former Mayor of Manchester, he previously described the expansion as a "model for an ever-overheating UK economy" in January of last year, cautioning that it should not come at the expense of investment in northern infrastructure.
In 2018, Burnham articulated his opposition, stating, "I'm against a third runway at Heathrow because of need to limit national levels of aviation. We should use spare capacity at Manchester and Birmingham instead." The following year, he warned that the expansion would "trap infrastructure spending inside the M25 for 10 years."
A Labour MP, speaking to the Financial Times, reported that Burnham had referenced his views in a recent private meeting. "He said he's never been in favour of Heathrow expansion, but he's not indicated one way or another what he will do now," the MP stated. "He's indicated that in the past he has never supported Heathrow's expansion... I get the impression that he's now waiting for a report into the third runway by the Transport Committee before saying more on this."
Government sources have downplayed the significance of these reported remarks, noting that Burnham has revised some of his previous stances since assuming his current role.
Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) seeks permission to construct a full-length, 3,500-meter runway, a project that would necessitate the relocation of the M25 motorway. The expansion plans have faced opposition from environmental experts and the Mayor of London, Lord Khan. HAL, however, maintains that the project will generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to more affordable travel.
Earlier this year, in June, former chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed a commitment to commencing construction on the third runway within the current parliamentary term, with a target completion date of 2035. Her successor, John Healey, informed the House of Commons that the project had received the go-ahead due to its strong economic justification and potential to foster growth.
A public consultation concerning the government's national policy statement on Heathrow expansion concluded on September 1.