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'Britain loses by standing still': Transport Secretary ramps up pressure on Burnham to back Heathrow's third runway

A plan for Heathrow's third runway, which Thomas Woldbye has warned could lose billions in overseas investment unless the government gives firm backing to expansion.
A plan for Heathrow's third runway, which Thomas Woldbye has warned could lose billions in overseas investment unless the government gives firm backing to expansion.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has told business leaders that a third Heathrow runway could create jobs and growth "in every corner of this country", as Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye publicly demanded to know where Prime Minister Andy Burnham stands. Woldbye warned that £33 billion in private investment could flow overseas to "a motorway in Spain or a hospital in Italy" without a firm government commitment, with a formal planning application expected within the next couple of years.

Burnham has refused to confirm his backing, saying the scheme is subject to consultation — a reversal from predecessors Starmer and Reeves, who both backed the third runway.

Rival consortium Heathrow West warned MPs the airport risks becoming a 'ghost town' if its £33bn plan proves too costly, with airlines calling it the most expensive new runway project ever built.

Alexander insisted growth and green goals are not in conflict, telling the AirportsUK conference: 'You'll never hear me peddling false trade-offs.'

Morelse.co.ukAlexander says third Heathrow runway could grow 'every corner' of UKlondonlovesbusiness.comAirport chief warns Burnham Britain risks losing investment overseas - London Business NewsThe IndependentHeidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKThe IndependentHeathrow boss calls for Burnham to get behind third runway schemelbc.co.uk‘Britain loses by standing still!’ Transport Secretary ramps up pressure on PM to back Heathrow’s third runwayEvening Standard'Ghost town' threat to Heathrow if third runway scheme too costly, MPs warned
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