Burnham stubbornly refuses to echo Chancellor’s backing for Heathrow Airport expansion

Andy Burnham has renewed doubts about a third runway at Heathrow, declining to match ministers’ public support for the project. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Government was reviewing consultation responses and he would not pre-judge its final decision, highlighting differing views within the Cabinet.

Chancellor John Healey said the Government was behind the expansion, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called it a boost for the South East. Heathrow wants approval for a 3,500-metre runway that would require moving the M25; a Commons vote is expected next year, though no timetable is fixed. Rachel Reeves has backed construction during the current Parliament, but completion may not be possible before 2039.