Andy Burnham refuses to back third runway at Heathrow
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to take a definitive stance on the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport, stating that local voices and consultation outcomes must be prioritized first. The £33bn expansion project has faced debate over its economic benefits versus environmental and residential impacts.
Why it matters
Heathrow's expansion is a major national infrastructure decision balancing economic growth against climate commitments and local community disruption.
Image source, Reuters By Dearbail Jordan Business reporter Published 27 September 2026, 12:22 BST Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to say whether he backs a third runway at Heathrow after it emerged that the expansion of the London airport could be delayed by up to four years.
Burnham - who, as Mayor of Greater Manchester, opposed the project - told Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "I think principally, it's a matter for London and Londoners."
He added: "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."
Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had championed the runway to boost the economy, with a schedule to open by 2035 but Heathrow indicated on Saturday it may not be operational before 2039.
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