{
  "id": 5193712,
  "title": "Khan demands Burnham block Heathrow expansion over net zero",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/khan-demands-burnham-block-heathrow-expansion-over-net-zero",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T23:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/khan-demands-burnham-block-heathrow-expansion-over-net-zero/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has urged Deputy Mayor Andy Burnham to prevent the expansion of Heathrow Airport, citing the need to adhere to net zero policies. Khan's concerns stem from the airport expansion's potential contribution to climate change, including extreme heatwaves, drought, and wildfires. The mayor argues that the case for Heathrow expansion is based on outdated evidence that does not account for today's urgent challenges. Burnham's deputy for the environment, Mete Coban, acknowledged the need for \"good growth\" for London but questioned the financial benefits of Heathrow expansion, stating there is no compelling economic case for the project. The previous government had touted Heathrow expansion as a means to boost productivity, but a recent government analysis suggests the growth impact would be minimal at just 0.05%. Critics argue the expansion may cost the UK up to £62.5bn in social costs, primarily due to environmental impacts. Despite the economic benefits estimated at £42.4bn, some argue these benefits are not fully captured, as they could boost exports and trade due to heightened competition. Heathrow has pledged to limit air and noise pollution, as well as carbon emissions, but some question whether this approach dilutes the incentive for technological advancements and hampers growth in other UK airports. The government is currently considering stakeholder feedback on the expansion policy, with Heathrow claiming the project could generate 108,000 jobs.",
  "summary": "London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has demanded Andy Burnham to block the Heathrow airport runway expansion on the grounds of net zero. Khan, who has long opposed the construction of a second Heathrow runway, linked the expansion to the effects on climate change including “extreme heatwaves, drought and wildfires”. “The truth is the whole case [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}