Andy Burnham has said he is not convinced that Britain needs a third runway at Heathrow, opening a debate inside government before an expected parliamentary decision next year.
The Prime Minister said he had raised his concerns directly with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. He argued that airport capacity and economic growth should be considered across the whole country rather than through a London-first approach.
Burnham pointed to expansion plans at regional airports and said ministers should examine how aviation investment could support economies beyond the capital. He cited Birmingham Airport’s proposed £2 billion programme as one example.
The intervention does not amount to a final government decision on Heathrow. Downing Street has said the Government remains open-minded while it considers the evidence and the project’s economic and environmental implications.
A parliamentary vote could take place in January 2027. Any proposal would also have to pass planning, financing and climate tests before construction could begin.
Burnham is the Labour and Co-operative MP for Makerfield as well as Prime Minister and Labour leader. His comments place regional economic balance at the centre of the argument over future airport capacity.
