Burnham Stops Short of Backing Heathrow's Third Runway
UK PM Andy Burnham has declined to endorse Heathrow's third runway, calling it a matter for London, while the airport warns of a four-year delay.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to throw his weight behind plans for a third runway at Heathrow, describing the decision as one that should be led by London and the communities closest to the airport.
Speaking to the BBC at the opening of the governing Labour Party's annual conference, Burnham said the views of local residents needed to be heard before he took a position. He added that it would be wrong for him to weigh in while a consultation is still under way.
The project has been a flashpoint in British politics for two decades. The government of Burnham's predecessor, former prime minister Keir Starmer, announced its support for the expansion last year, though the proposal still faces a lengthy planning process before any construction could start.
Heathrow said over the weekend that the third runway could be pushed back by four years, meaning it would not be operational until 2039.
The airport argues that expansion is needed because it is running at 99% capacity and risks falling behind rival European hubs. Heathrow has two runways, compared with four each at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport, and six at Amsterdam's Schiphol.
Situated about 15 miles (24 km) west of central London, Heathrow has long drawn complaints from nearby residents over aircraft noise, safety concerns about flights over the densely populated capital, and, more recently, the impact of rising carbon emissions.