UK PM Burnham refuses to back Heathrow's third runway project
LONDON: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to give his backing on Sunday to plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, saying it was a matter for people who live near London’s main airport. The government led by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer , announced last year it supported Heathrow’s expansion proposal, which must undergo a lengthy planning process before…
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, the leader of the Labour Party, has not endorsed plans to construct a third runway at Heathrow Airport, according to an interview with the BBC. The decision was made following the announcement by his predecessor, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that the government endorsed the expansion proposal.
Burnham emphasized that the matter should be addressed by the residents of London, stating, "I think, principally, it’s a matter for London." He further explained: "I think you’ve got 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."
The debate over the expansion project has been ongoing for two decades, dividing politicians. Heathrow Airport currently operates at near-100% capacity and could be surpassed by other European airports in size if the third runway is not built. Its two existing runways are dwarfed by the four at Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport, and six at Amsterdam’s Schiphol.
The location of Heathrow, just 15 miles west of London, has been a source of concern for residents for years. Issues include noise pollution caused by flights over the densely populated city and rising carbon emissions, which are contributing to climate change.
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