- Heathrow expansion on-track for delivery as Government publishes draft National Policy Statement
- Record political support for Heathrow expansion with 74 percent of MPs backing a third runway in the latest poll
Dale Keller, Chief Executive, Board of Airline Representatives in the UK:
“Today’s draft Airports National Policy Statement is welcomed by our airline members as a pivotal point in unlocking progress on delivering a bigger, better and more affordable Heathrow that will best serve the future needs of our customers and the whole nation.”
Mary Glindon, MP for North Tyneside:
“It's great news that the Government has started the 16-week public consultation process on the draft National Policy Statement on the third runway at Heathrow. It gives everyone across the UK the opportunity to comment on the proposal that is so important to regional economies, including that of the North East. I hope as many people as possible will have their say over the next 16 weeks.”
Len McCluskey, General Secretary, Unite:
“This excellent news will cement Heathrow’s reputation as a leading global airport. It is a tribute to all who work at Heathrow, including the many thousands of Unite members, that it will continue to develop, and in view of the UK’s need to recast its relationships with the world following Brexit, this is a much-need investment for the national economy.
Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce:
“Scottish Chambers welcomes the publication of the Government’s National Policy Statement on Heathrow today, a sure sign that the project is moving forward. Heathrow expansion, with a third runway, will create huge benefits for Scotland by connecting more Scottish exports, businesses and people to both established and emerging global markets alike. Access to a strengthened hub from all corners of Scotland – from Inverness and Aberdeen to Edinburgh and Glasgow – is pivotal for getting our high-quality Scottish goods to global markets.”
Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
“The launch of the national policy statement consultation is an important step towards Heathrow expansion and greater global connectivity for Northern Ireland. EasyJet has said they want to fly from Heathrow to Belfast International and Flybe have said they want to fly from Heathrow to Derry City Airport. That is on top of securing the flights we already have from Belfast City. That means more flights to Heathrow, from more Northern Irish airports, with a greater choice of airlines for passengers.”
Craig Williams, MP for Cardiff North:
“I strongly welcome the Government’s draft National Policy Statement. This consultation shows the Government are getting on with the next steps to deliver this critically important project. “Only expanding Heathrow will connect Cardiff with Caracas and more than 40 other new long-haul destinations, attracting international investments and capitalising on our city's strengths. “I look forward to reading the contents of the NPS and will work hard with my local businesses and communities in this consultation to underline exactly why Heathrow expansion is so critical to the Welsh economy.”
Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development Director, Leeds Bradford Airport:
“Leeds Bradford Airport welcomes the launch of the consultation today, and we are pleased to see the delivery of Heathrow expansion progressing as planned. “Expansion of the UK’s hub will boost businesses across the Leeds City Region, by attracting investment and reaching key international markets from Yorkshire via our direct connection to Heathrow.”
John Spellar, MP for Warley:
“Heathrow expansion will deliver much needed international connectivity and employment opportunities, which will create jobs and growth for all of Britain. I support Heathrow expansion for the benefits it will bring to British industry, commerce, and British workers, and I am pleased to see the project moving forward with the launch of today’s consultation.”
James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East England Chamber of Commerce:
“Businesses in North East England have a very strong exporting record and rely on the UK’s national hub airport at Heathrow to gain access to international markets. In the decades ahead this is going to be increasingly important. Investment in runway capacity at Heathrow is crucial to the long term future of our economy and the maximisation of the potential of our exporting businesses. We welcome the launch of the consultation as a step towards getting on with delivering jobs and growth for the UK.”
Graham Evans, MP for Weaver Vale:
“I welcome the launch of the draft National Policy Statement today, with the Government showing real leadership in delivering this vital infrastructure project at Heathrow. As the UK's biggest port, Heathrow is integral to regional economies across Britain, by connecting businesses like Banner Chemicals in my constituency with global markets, supporting economic growth and jobs in Weaver Vale.”
Jacqui Miller-Charlton MBE, Miller International:
"It is essential that the much needed third runway at Heathrow is allowed to proceed. If we are to secure new business in an ever increasing competitive global market, we desperately need greater connectivity and more flights per day to overseas markets. In a post Brexit world this has never been more important for job security as well as job creation. Every country is a competitor on the world stage and it's up to all of us to ensure we provide the companies that provide our wealth creation the very best platform from which to operate. Put simply, our economy needs projects of this type to assist with the country's growth aspirations to support a less divided Britain."
Danny Kinahan, MP for South Antrim:
“For years we have dithered and delayed when it comes to airport expansion, so it is reassuring to see the Government acting quickly with the launch of this consultation. To make sure Heathrow expansion brings the maximum benefits to Northern Ireland, it is crucial that we make our voices heard. Heathrow expansion is vital to our economy, in supporting our exporters, attracting tourism and strengthening domestic connectivity.”
Paul Nowak, Deputy General Secretary, TUC:
“It’s heartening to see Heathrow expansion moving forward. Unions are committed to working with Heathrow to make sure expansion delivers high quality jobs and apprenticeships across the country. Serious infrastructure projects like this are vital to strengthening our economy, securing investment and delivering on quality jobs. Britain needs to get building, and trade unionists stand ready to get going.”
Kim Conchie, Chief Executive, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce:
“The government’s own expert committee chaired by Sir Howard Davies has already identified Heathrow as the best option for expansion. The National Policy Statement Consultation must aim to drive this decision forwards not stall it. Businesses in Cornwall need the international connectivity that Heathrow can bring sooner rather than later as we explore new export markets and inward investors from all around the World to boost the post-Brexit economy.”
Jenny Stewart, Chief Executive, Liverpool & Sefton Chambers of Commerce:
“We welcome the launch of the government’s consultation on the draft National Policy Statement endorsing a third runway at Heathrow. This demonstrates that the Government is getting on with the task of delivering for the whole of the UK and for Liverpool. We are delighted with the decision to expand Heathrow and for our exports and tourism industry we look forward to the onward connections and new market opportunities additional capacity will bring. Airlines including Flybe have already shown an interest in connecting Liverpool to Heathrow, presenting an opportunity we have not seen in a generation.”
Sean Pannell, Managing Director, Renteq Highways Ltd:
“As the United Kingdom begins the formal process of leaving the EU and entering onto the world stage, the publication of the draft National Policy Statement is a benchmark in the preparation for the UK to continue to trade with the EU and also to enter the world stage from a position of strength added too by the expansion of Heathrow Airport. It is vital we are seen to be both competitive, offering strong trade links and routes as we gain access to existing and potential new markets, the expansion of Heathrow Airport is a major step and clear signpost of our country’s commitment to this.”
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire):
“It is essential that the Government has a sustainable aviation strategy to ensure that the UK remains an attractive location for investment from overseas. This will become even more important when we leave the EU and trade independently around the world. Part of that strategy must be ensuring that the UK has the routes and capacity that fulfil the needs of business travellers, as well as those of holidaymakers and freight handlers.”
Joanna Morgan, Founder, Radnor Preserves:
“The Government made the right choice for businesses in Wales and across the UK by endorsing a third runway at Heathrow. Expanding Heathrow will allow us to export our high quality, British made products to more markets in more corners of the world. We welcome the launch of the consultation this morning, as it demonstrates that the Government is prepared to deliver for all of the UK, including Wales; and we are pleased to see the project advancing on schedule.”
