Heathrow boss urges Prime Minister to back third runway plan

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 09:44 · Archive

Heathrow's chief executive has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to confirm support for a third runway, warning investment may move overseas without certainty.

Heathrow's chief executive Thomas Woldbye has publicly called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to throw his weight behind the airport's planned third runway, citing uncertainty over the expansion. Woldbye warned that without a firm commitment to the construction project, the planned investment could go overseas instead.

Woldbye told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the scheme would deliver a 'huge economic boost' and create opportunities such as apprenticeships aligned with the Government's priorities. The £33 billion project is currently undergoing consultation and the planning process, with key decisions expected towards the end of the year. Woldbye said 'it would be good to know where Government is on this' once those processes conclude.

Burnham has declined to confirm his backing, insisting the decision depends on the consultation and planning stages. His predecessors Sir Keir Starmer and then-chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously supported the third runway construction at the UK's busiest airport.

Heathrow boss urges Prime Minister to back third runway plan — Image: Evening Standard

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How it is being reported

Heathrow boss calls for Burnham to get behind third runway schemeThomas Woldbye warned that investment could be lost overseas unless there is certainty over the expansion plan.Evening Standard · 14 Oct, 09:25
Heathrow boss calls for Burnham to get behind third runway schemeThomas Woldbye warned that investment could be lost overseas unless there is certainty over the expansion plan.Independent Business · 14 Oct, 09:25
Heathrow boss calls for Burnham to get behind third runway schemeThomas Woldbye warned that investment could be lost overseas unless there is certainty over the expansion plan.Independent Business · 14 Oct, 09:20

In this story: Heathrow · Andy Burnham · Thomas Woldbye · Sir Keir Starmer · Rachel Reeves

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