Politics · United Kingdom · 6 hrs ago
Healey backs growth case for a third Heathrow runway
John Healey argued that a third runway at Heathrow could support economic growth while the prime minister has not backed the project.
The long-planned runway would expand Heathrow Airport in London.
Former chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously made approval of the runway part of her growth plans.
Burnham has said the decision should be a matter for London and Londoners, and a recent report said he was unconvinced by the case for the project.
The government will review responses to a recently closed public consultation before deciding what to do.
Heathrow’s owners are expected to decide in the coming months whether to apply for formal planning permission, and the airport’s chief executive has warned that investors may reconsider their support if the project lacks the prime minister’s backing.
John Healey said there is a pro-growth case for building a third runway at Heathrow.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not said whether he supports the project, saying it should be a matter for London and Londoners.
Healey said the government would study responses to a public consultation that had recently closed.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye warned that investors could reconsider backing the £33bn project if it did not receive the prime minister’s support.
The airport’s owners are expected to decide in the coming months whether to apply for formal planning permission.
- Who
- John Healey made the case for the runway. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has not backed it.
- What
- Healey said a third runway at Heathrow has a case for growth.
- When
- Healey spoke in Bangkok this week; the article was published on 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Heathrow Airport, London.
- Why
- Healey said airports have contributed to jobs and growth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Healey voted in favour of the third runway when the issue was put to the House of Commons.
Rachel Reeves put approval of the runway at the heart of her growth speech.
Burnham arrived in No 10 and, according to the article, has since declined to say whether the runway should go ahead.
Healey spoke in Bangkok and said the government would study responses to the recently closed public consultation.
Heathrow’s owners are expected to decide whether to apply for formal planning permission.
- Project cost
- £33bn
- Airport
- Heathrow
- Consultation
- Recently closed
- Planning decision
- Owners expected to decide in the coming months whether to apply for formal planning permission
2 sources
What people are saying
And the case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth
But of course we cannot wait for ever.