Burnham Refuses to Back Heathrow Expansion, Contradicting Party Line

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, on Sunday declined to endorse the expansion of Heathrow Airport, a major infrastructure project that has seen recent support from within the Labour Party. His comments, made during interviews as the Labour conference convened, contrast with previous statements by Labour's Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who expressed a desire to see the project move forward.

Burnham suggested that the Heathrow expansion is primarily a matter for London and its residents, indicating that he would await the outcome of a government consultation before forming a definitive stance. "It's not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation," he stated, adding that it is appropriate to "hear what people have said through the consultation, and then consider the way forward from there."

This position marks a continuation of Burnham's long-held skepticism regarding the Heathrow expansion. In January of the previous year, he described the project as a "model for an ever-overheating UK economy," arguing that investment should be prioritized for northern infrastructure. In 2018, he voiced opposition to a third runway at Heathrow, suggesting that spare capacity at Manchester and Birmingham airports should be utilized instead. The following year, he warned that the expansion could "trap infrastructure spending inside the M25 for 10 years."

Heathrow Airport Limited seeks permission to construct a new 3,500-meter runway, a plan that would necessitate the relocation of the M25 motorway. In June, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated her determination to commence construction of the third runway within the current parliamentary term, aiming for completion by 2035. However, revised timelines suggest 2039 as the earliest possible completion date.

Earlier this month, John Healey, speaking in the House of Commons, affirmed Labour's support for the Heathrow expansion, citing the project's economic viability and potential to foster growth. "After years of delay, years of indecision, years of often vexatious challenge, we have given the go-ahead to this project quite simply because the economic case stacks up and will help bring growth," Healey told MPs.

A public consultation on the government's national policy statement concerning the Heathrow expansion concluded on September 1. The expansion plans have faced opposition from environmental advocates and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, while Heathrow Airport argues that the project will generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and lead to more affordable travel options.