UK Chancellor backs Heathrow third runway in split with PM Burnham

UK Chancellor John Healey has expressed support for the plan to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport, which could trigger a disagreement with Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the Downing Street level. Speaking to reporters at the IMF annual meeting in Bangkok, Healey made clear his support for the project, saying that "the case for a third runway at Heathrow has always been about promoting growth." Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to say whether he supports the expansion plan for the UK's largest airport, calling it "a matter for London and Londoners," and said he is "open-minded" about the plan. The UK Department for Transport estimates that an expanded Heathrow Airport will create 60,000 local jobs and bring up to 42 billion in economic benefits to the UK.