Burnham declines to say whether he backs Heathrow third runway

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to say whether he supports plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, saying the issue is principally a matter for London and Londoners.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Burnham said it was not right to “jump straight in” before the consultation had concluded. He later told LBC Radio that strong views existed on both sides and that he did not want to prejudice a potential planning decision.

The Government is reviewing consultation responses and is expected to set out its position shortly. Treasury minister James Murray has backed the expansion, saying it would support jobs, investment and trade across the UK.

The project was previously suggested for completion by 2035, but airport bosses have reportedly told ministers that timetable is not achievable. Heathrow aims to secure planning permission by 2029 and says construction could then take up to a decade.