Andy Burnham has declined to back the Heathrow third runway, in a significant blow to the airport’s long-running expansion plans.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in a BBC interview at the start of Labour’s annual conference, describing the runway question as principally a matter for London.
Mr Burnham said local voices should be heard first and that responses to the consultation should be taken into account before any decision is taken.
The hesitation from Downing Street follows earlier reports that the Heathrow third runway has been put back to 2039, with the scheme facing mounting political and planning hurdles.
Passengers heading to the airport are also facing disruption from weekend closures on the Tube and Elizabeth line, while longer term new air-conditioned Piccadilly line trains are due to enter service on the Heathrow route.
The Prime Minister’s comments came as Labour gathers for its annual conference, with the party also reportedly considering lowering the mansion tax threshold to £1.5m.
