Prime Minister Andy Burnham repeatedly refused to say whether he backs a third runway at Heathrow in a BBC interview broadcast on Sunday 27 September, exposing a rift at the top of government over the delayed 33 billion pound expansion project. There is no change to flights, terminals or current operations at Heathrow, but the comments cast fresh doubt on political support for the scheme just a day after the airport admitted the runway will not open before 2039, four years later than planned.
Speaking to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg as Labour's party conference opened in Liverpool, Burnham said: "I think principally, it's a matter for London and Londoners." Asked directly whether he supported the project, 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." He said he would wait for the outcome of a public consultation before taking a position.
As Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham had opposed the third runway over concerns it would divert transport investment away from the north of England. His refusal to commit as Prime Minister contrasts with Defence Secretary John Healey, who has told MPs the government backs the runway "because the economic case stacks up and will help bring growth." Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had also championed the project, saying it would create 100,000 jobs.
Heathrow responded to Burnham's comments by saying: "We agree with the prime minister that local voices must be heard. We know from consistent polling over the last decade that communities support our plans for expansion and support is only growing over time."
The political uncertainty follows Heathrow's confirmation on Saturday 26 September that the runway, previously targeted for 2035, is now not expected to be operational before 2039. Airport bosses say they still hope to secure planning permission by 2029, with construction taking about a decade from that point. The 33 billion pound project has faced sustained opposition from environmental campaigners, residents groups and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, given it would require demolishing hundreds of homes, diverting rivers and rerouting part of the M25 through a tunnel.
Both the BBC and The Independent reported Burnham's comments on Sunday, with the Independent noting he told the programme: "I think it's right that we hear what people have said through the consultation, and then consider the way forward from there."
For travellers, nothing changes today. Heathrow continues to operate normally on its existing two runways, and any expansion remains at least 13 years away regardless of the political debate. If you are travelling through the airport in the meantime, it is still worth planning your route in advance given the congestion that comes with operating at capacity. See our guide to Heathrow parking at /parking/ for options if you are driving, or our public transport guide at /public-transport/ if you would rather leave the car at home.