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'Britain loses by standing still': Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander breaks with Burnham over Heathrow third runway

An aerial view of Heathrow's third runway plan, which Thomas Woldbye has warned would see investment diverted elsewhere if scrapped, while Andy Burnham refuses to back expansion.
An aerial view of Heathrow's third runway plan, which Thomas Woldbye has warned would see investment diverted elsewhere if scrapped, while Andy Burnham refuses to back expansion.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander threw her public support behind Heathrow's £33 billion third runway at the AirportsUK conference on Wednesday, telling business leaders the project could create 'growth in every corner of this country' — a phrase that pointedly mirrors Andy Burnham's own stated agenda. Burnham declined on five separate occasions during a recent interview to confirm his backing, citing ongoing consultation, and has previously argued that Manchester Airport expansion could be the greater priority. Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye warned that without a firm government commitment by year's end, private investors would redirect the £33 billion elsewhere — into Spanish motorways or Italian hospitals.

Starmer and his chancellor Rachel Reeves had backed the third runway, making Burnham's silence a sharp reversal.

Rival Heathrow West chairman Surinder Arora warned MPs the airport risks becoming a 'ghost town' if the scheme is unaffordably expensive.

Alexander dismissed climate trade-off concerns, insisting 'going for growth' and decarbonisation are not in conflict — with critics claiming her climate sums would require culling every cow in Britain.

MoreDaily MailLabour divided over support for Heathrow's £33bn third runwayLBC‘Britain loses by standing still!’ Transport Secretary ramps up pressure on PM to back Heathrow’s third runwayLBCHeidi Alexander says third Heathrow runway could grow ‘every corner’ of UKCity A.M.Heathrow rejects calls to put affordability at heart of third runway debateEvening Standard'Ghost town' threat to Heathrow if £33bn third runway scheme too costly, MPs warnedAOL.co.ukHeathrow boss pushes Burnham to back third runway and warns uncertainty could hit investment - AOL.co.ukMy LondonHeathrow boss warns Andy Burnham must back third runway or lose billions to Spain and Italy - My London
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