Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to pledge support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, following revelations that the major infrastructure project could face a delay of up to four years. The admission comes as Burnham prepares for his first annual Labour Party conference, marking a shift from his previous stance as Mayor of Greater Manchester, where he opposed the scheme due to concerns over northern transport investment.
Speaking on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Burnham emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the capital. “I think principally, it’s a matter for London and Londoners,” he said. “I think we ought to hear the voice of people there first. It’s not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation.” While noting he remains open-minded, he acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that different views must be taken seriously.
The potential timeline extension follows comments from Heathrow officials, who indicated on Saturday that the runway may not be operational by the previously targeted 2035 date. Instead, the airport operator suggested that opening might not occur until 2039. Heathrow attributed the shift to the difficulty of meeting original deadlines without further simplification of the planning process, though they hope to secure planning permission by 2029.
The £33bn project has long been a contentious political issue. Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had championed the expansion as a vehicle for economic growth, but it faces significant opposition from environmental campaigners, local resident groups, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The plan would require demolishing hundreds of homes, diverting rivers, and routing a section of the M25 motorway through a tunnel.
Supporters, however, argue the benefits outweigh the disruptions. Union leaders Unite and the GMB have backed the scheme, with Unite general secretary Sharon Graham calling the runway “essential.” She described the project as vital for securing unionized jobs and creating a guaranteed market for UK steel. Proponents estimate the expansion could create 100,000 jobs and increase annual flight movements from the current cap of 480,000 to 720,000.
In response to the Prime Minister’s comments, Heathrow stated that they agreed local voices must be heard, adding that consistent polling over the past decade shows growing community support for the expansion. The Department for Transport described the original schedule as “always ambitious” and confirmed it continues to work with stakeholders to move the project forward.
Love the idea of new jobs, but routing the M25 through a tunnel sounds like a nightmare for London traffic during construction!
Another four years of waiting… I’ll be retiring before that runway even opens. Waste of taxpayers’ money if you ask me.
Wait, did he say he’s Prime Minister now? Andy Burnham was Mayor of Manchester, not PM. This article needs a fact-check urgently!
Finally, Burnham is listening to locals instead of just following union demands. Jobs are important, but community matters too.
2039? This delay is embarrassing. If it was hard to build by 2035, what chance has it now?