Chancellor backs Heathrow third runway, PM declines to comment
John Healey told MPs the government supports expansion plans, but Andy Burnham stated he cannot pre-judge the ongoing consultation.
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Chancellor John Healey has declared that the government is "behind" plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Mr Healey made these remarks to the Treasury select committee on Wednesday, responding to a question about the economic benefits of the expansion.
He told the committee, "So the government is behind a third runway at Heathrow, I’m part of the government." Mr Healey added that successful airports often serve as an "engine for economic growth in the wider area," a principle he believes applies to parts of London and elsewhere.
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Prime Minister distances himself from remarks
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, however, declined to endorse his chancellor's position. Speaking to reporters on Thursday during a trip to Dublin, Mr Burnham stated that he could not "pre-judge" the ongoing consultation into the airport's expansion. He indicated that a process is underway within government to consider responses and further information before a final decision is made.
The assessment of the runway proposal is being led by the Department for Transport, not the Treasury, Mr Healey confirmed. The government is currently working through the responses received from the consultation period.
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Proponents of a third runway highlight its potential to bring significant economic benefits by expanding the major transport hub. However, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact of such expansion and its potential effect on residents living near the airport.
Prior to Mr Burnham taking office, both former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Chancellor Rachel Reeves had publicly backed the construction of a third runway at Heathrow.
Questions this report answers
+What did Chancellor John Healey say about Heathrow's third runway?
Chancellor John Healey told MPs on Wednesday that the government supports the plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. He stated this position to the Treasury select committee, highlighting the potential economic benefits of airport expansion.
+How did Prime Minister Andy Burnham respond to the chancellor's comments?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham distanced himself from the chancellor's remarks, stating he could not "pre-judge" the consultation process for Heathrow's expansion. He indicated that a final decision would be made after the government reviews all consultation responses and further information.
+Who is leading the assessment of the Heathrow runway proposal?
The Department for Transport is leading the assessment of the runway proposal. Chancellor John Healey confirmed this, noting that the Treasury's role was not to lead this specific assessment following the consultation period.
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