Chancellor John Healey has expressed support for a third runway at Heathrow, citing its potential for economic growth, despite the Prime Minister's hesitation.
Key facts
- •John Healey stated that the case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been a case for growth.
- •Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested the runway project should be a matter for London and Londoners.
- •The proposed infrastructure project is valued at £33bn.
- •Heathrow's shareholders include investment authorities from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
- •Healey previously voted in favor of the third runway in the House of Commons in 2018.
Chancellor John Healey has stated there is a pro-growth case for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. His comments contrast with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has declined to back the project and suggested the matter should be decided by Londoners. Healey, who previously voted for the runway in 2018, noted that airports have been significant drivers of jobs and growth across the UK.
Project status and investor concerns
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye has warned that investors may reconsider their support for the £33bn project if it does not receive backing from the Prime Minister. The airport’s owners, which include sovereign wealth funds from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore, as well as the French firm Ardian, are expected to decide in the coming months whether to seek formal planning permission.
Government economic priorities
Healey emphasized that economic growth is the government's primary mission. While in Bangkok for International Monetary Fund meetings, he noted that the government is currently reviewing responses to a recently closed public consultation on the runway. Meanwhile, the UK economy saw unexpected growth in August, and the IMF has encouraged the government to continue efforts to reduce the national deficit.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Politics (UK).
