UK finance minister says Heathrow expansion would boost growth
Healey called Heathrow expansion a growth plan as owners seek backing for a third runway that could raise flights to 720,000 a year.
- On Friday, Chancellor John Healey backed Heathrow Airport's third runway expansion at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Bangkok, describing it as "a big part of jobs and growth." Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to endorse the project.
- Last year, former Transport Secretary Rachel Reeves announced government-backed expansion, saying "a third runway is badly needed." The £33bn project has faced decades of opposition from local residents and climate campaigners, creating the current political stalemate.
- Heathrow Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye warned that not building the runway would be a "huge missed opportunity," as the airport currently serves more than 80 million travelers annually. The project faces planning delays, with opening pushed to 2039.
- Burnham told the BBC the expansion is "a matter for London and Londoners," stating, "I think we ought to hear the voice of people there first." He has not committed to support despite Healey's backing.
- The Department for Transport is "considering the appropriate next steps" following the National Policy Statement consultation closure. Approval could increase annual flight capacity to 720,000, though the airport's consortium requires explicit government backing before year-end to proceed.
8 Articles
8 Articles
John Healey signals support for third runway at Heathrow despite Andy Burnham ducking issue
John Healey has suggested there is a pro-growth case for proceeding with a third runway at Heathrow, despite Andy Burnham's refusal to back it.The Chancellor told a meeting of the IMF in Bangkok the project for Britain's biggest airport was still viable and could be an important factor in driving business investment and growth.While the scheme was championed by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Burnham has ducked the issue of whether the pro…
Chancellor says government will study responses to public consultation, with airports being ‘big part of jobs and growth'
Healey backs pro-growth case for Heathrow third runway after Burnham ducks issue
John Healey has said there is a pro-growth case for going ahead with a third runway at Heathrow despite the prime minister declining to back it. Healey’s predecessor as chancellor, Rachel Reeves, put approval of the long-planned runway at the heart of her “growth speech” last year, saying it would “make Britain the world’s best-connected […]
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