Heathrow expansion hits first delivery milestone as Government progresses third runway
As the Government makes way for the third runway at Heathrow, the airport has made inroads into its expansion programme.
Heathrow’s expansion programme has passed its first delivery milestone and is advancing on schedule as the Government published its draft National Policy Statement (NPS) on a third runway at the UK’s hub earlier today.
As Europe’s largest privately funded infrastructure project, Heathrow expansion will benefit the whole country and is a strategic plank of the Government’s modern industrial strategy – upgrading Britain’s infrastructure, encouraging more global trade and developing skills by cultivating a UK supply chain.
The Government now begins 16 weeks of public consultation across the country on the draft NPS, before submitting a final version for a vote in Parliament this coming winter. An overwhelming 74% of MPs back a third runway at Heathrow, a record level of political support for the project and recognition of Heathrow’s unique role in driving economic growth and creating jobs across Britain as the nation’s only hub airport.
Labour MP Virendra Sharma described it as “encouraging” that the Government is moving swiftly on Heathrow.
“The need for additional airport capacity has become even more critical following the decision to leave the European Union. Heathrow expansion will provide unrivalled connectivity to new and emerging markets, boosting international trade and cementing London’s role as a true outward-looking global city.
“Heathrow’s new plan for expansion can be delivered responsibly with clear safeguards in place, it has the potential to eradicate local youth unemployment, it will deliver the skills required to build and operate the expanded airport, and it is one that I along with a majority of constituents support.”
Heathrow Executive Director for Expansion Emma Gilthorpe said: “The launch of the Government’s national policy statement consultation is an important milestone in the delivery of Heathrow’s expansion plans. We look forward to working with the Government, our local communities and our airlines throughout this consultation period to ensure Heathrow expansion is affordable and benefits all of Britain.”
Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey said:“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.
“We look forward now to the delivery of the project and the creation of the jobs that will result.”
