Airports Commission: Business Reaction

Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive of London First, said:

“With half a century of indecision on airports expansion behind us, it’s time for the government to implement the Commission’s recommendation and get on with a new runway at Heathrow. Anything else is now inexcusable.

“After three years of investigation, the Commission has unambiguously concluded that expanding Heathrow will boost the UK economy and reinforce London as a global hub for business.

“Yes, Sir Howard’s report shows there are obstacles – particularly noise and environmental – but he has also demonstrated that these can and should be overcome.

“The report gives the Government an up-to-date, comprehensive, and independent analysis of our runway needs.”

Things government can do now:

“With any new runway a decade away and our major airports already at bursting point, there are lots of things the government could be doing right now to bridge the gap.

“This means reducing the number of planes stuck in holding patterns, cutting border queues, and speeding up rail journeys – particularly to Stansted – so people use a wider range of airports.

“We also need the Government to reverse the Mayor’s absurd decision to block expansion at City Airport.”