A Treasury minister has said a third runway at Heathrow Airport would benefit the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, by creating jobs and boosting investment.

Paymaster General James Murray said the expansion was important for the country's future, and that it was not just a London issue.

Mr Murray, who is also MP for Ealing North in west London, told the Press Association that he recognised there were different views among his constituents, but that the runway would be important for jobs, investment, and trade across the country.

He said the government was currently considering responses to a consultation on the scheme, and would set out its response shortly.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not explicitly backed the project, saying it was primarily a decision for Londoners despite its national significance.

Labour's support for the third runway was set out by former chancellor Rachel Reeves in January 2025.

The scheme, estimated to cost £33 billion and fully privately financed, would increase Heathrow's capacity to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per year.

It would also involve moving the M25 at a cost of £1.5 billion.

Airport bosses believe the runway could be built within a decade of getting planning permission, which they aim to secure by 2029.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham declined to confirm his support for the project, saying it was a matter for London and Londoners and that he would wait for the consultation outcome.

For Northern Ireland, improved connectivity through a major UK hub could have economic implications, although no specific commitments have been made regarding regional benefits.