Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined for a second day to say whether he supports a third runway at Heathrow, saying the consultation has closed and the views expressed must be considered fairly before any planning decision. His hesitation has left the Government’s position unclear, despite ministers arguing that the expansion would support economic growth.

Treasury minister James Murray called the runway important for jobs, investment and trade across the country, while growth minister Dan Tomlinson also backed the proposal. Chancellor John Healey has previously told MPs that the Government supports it, and Labour’s trade union allies say the project could create 100,000 jobs. Burnham said there is no live planning application yet and that he does not want to prejudice the process.