Heathrow expansion faces fresh hurdle as UK PM withholds third runway backing

Heathrow said at the weekend that the project could be delayed by four years. The third runway may now not become operational until 2039. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Sunday declined to back plans for a third runway at Heathrow. He said that the decision should first take into account the views of people living near London's main airport.Burnham, at the start of the governing Labour Party's annual conference, said the issue was primarily a matter for London, BBC reported. The government under his predecessor, former prime minister Keir Starmer, had backed Heathrow's expansion plans last year."I think, principally, it's a matter for London," Burnham told the BBC in an interview at the start of the governing Labour Party's annual conference."I think you've got to hear the voice of people there first. It's not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation."Heathrow expansion faces fresh uncertaintyBurnham's comments add to the long-running political debate over Heathrow's proposed third runway, which has divided politicians for around two decades.Heathrow said at the weekend that the project could be delayed by four years. The third runway may now not...