Plans for a third runway at Heathrow have been thrown into “jeopardy” as Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister, former Transport Secretary Dame Theresa Villiers has said. Chancellor Rachel Reeves championed the huge infrastructure project to boost economic growth in Britain. Sir Keir Starmer’s Government was fast-tracking Heathrow’s £33 billion scheme to expand the airport, which will increase capacity by more than 50 per cent to 756,000 flights a year, and involve moving the M25, potentially causing years of disruption for motorists.
Government Support in Question
Just days ago, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander published a public consultation on the proposed Airports National Policy Statement, the blueprint for another runway at the west London airport, a development strongly opposed by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham previously warned that a new runway at Heathrow could “suck more activity and investment into the capital and leave the North waiting even longer for its promised Northern Powerhouse”.
Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to be given a prominent role in Mr Burnham’s government, possibly even Chancellor. He has previously opposed expanding Heathrow and more recently warned that it should only happen if it did not breach Britain’s legally-binding climate change commitments.
Political and Union Reactions
Dame Theresa, a former MP for Chipping Barnet, told The Standard: “Clearly Andy Burnham is not an enthusiast for a third runway. So this beleaguered project must be in further jeopardy now.” She added: “This is a massively expensive project. If it lacks Government backing, it’s likely it will never happen.”
But Mr Burnham would have to defy the giant Unite union if he decided to pull the plug on Government support for expanding the west London airport. Its General Secretary Sharon Graham recently said: “If the Labour government is going to succeed, it must create skilled, well-paid employment. A third runway at Heathrow will provide both the jobs and contribute to the elusive growth the country needs. Heathrow has already made important commitments, for example, committing to purchasing UK-produced steel.”
Environmental and Local Opposition
Campaigners against a third runway warned it would cause more noise pollution for local residents in west London, air pollution and harmful climate change emissions, while doing little to boost economic growth. A Heathrow spokesperson said: “The new Prime Minister will be looking for projects that move Britain forward – creating jobs, driving growth and backing businesses without costing taxpayers a penny. Heathrow expansion is ready to do exactly that, which is why it’s already supported by trade unions, industry, airports and businesses right across the country.”
