Chamber ‘frustrated and disappointed’ with runway delay

Businesses from across the East Midlands will be both “frustrated and extremely disappointed” by Transport Secretary Patrick McLouglin’s announcement to further delay a key decision on UK airport expansion, according to the region’s Chamber of Commerce.

In Parliamentary questions this morning, McLoughlin said that while he had hoped the Government would be able to announce a decision this summer, it will now be delayed, citing the outcome of the EU Referendum as the reason for the delay.

“Being realistic, given recent events, I cannot now foresee an announcement until at least October,” McLoughlin said.

The Davies Commission suggested in July 2015 that expansion at Heathrow was the best option because of the economic benefits for the whole country, which included £147bn in economic growth over the next 60 years and the creation of 70,000 new jobs by 2050.

On the basis of it being the best of only three options available – Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted – East Midlands Chamber gave tentative support to expansion at Heathrow, but urged the Government to use the delay in the decision-making process to give further consideration to also utilising available capacity at regional hubs, such as East Midlands Airport.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The issue of UK aviation capacity has, for far too long, been treated like a political football and this latest delay is both frustrating and extremely disappointing.

“Many business leaders and airline operators believe that the absence of a coherent aviation strategy is holding the UK back. Continued delays only put the country further at a competitive disadvantage.

“Trade with fast-growing markets requires the UK to have a strong, resilient air hub complemented by vibrant regional airports. Additional capacity is required to safeguard the UK’s status as a global aviation hub, both in the short and long term.
“We hope that this isn’t the beginning of a trend where the outcome of the EU Referendum is used as an excuse to defer decisions which are crucial to the growth of the UK.

“At a time of uncertainty following the outcome of the EU Referendum, the country needs strong governance and that means our leaders must have, and demonstrate, the courage to take the big decisions which need to be taken to strengthen the economy and enable the country to continue to grow.”