Member Article

BCC urges PM to move on ‘irreversible commitments’ to South East airport expansions

The newly re-elected Prime Minister has been urged to take “bold action” to ensure the UK’s economic future, including “irreversible commitments” to airport expansion in the South East.

John Longworth, the director of the British Chambers of Commerce, has set out six priorities for David Cameron, who must use his ‘strengthened mandate’ to take ‘bold action.’

Longworth called on the Conservative leader to “fight the Whitehall culture”, which he said blocked “much-needed change”.

The CBI has also echoed Longworth’s views, saying it wants “diggers in the ground by 2020”.

The Airports Commission is due to make a recommendation to the Government about the UK’s future air capacity following a fresh public consultation period.

Last month, Heathrow reported an increase in traffic of 2% to 16.4 million passengers for Q1, with profits hitting £71m compared to a loss last year.

The CBI has shortlisted three options: a third runway at Heathrow, lengthening an existing runway at Heathrow or building a second runway at Gatwick.

CBI deputy director general Katja Hall said: “The Prime Minister should prioritise building on the progress made to get the deficit down, finding more innovative ways to deliver public services and backing the final decision from the Airports Commission so we get diggers in the ground by 2020.”

She said: “Business will take an active role in arguing the case for the UK to remain inside a reformed EU, and it will be vital for the Government to set the bar for that reform at a level which is both ambitious and achievable.”

In his letter, Mr Longworth wrote: “Above all, Prime Minister, be ambitious. Make no apologies for seeking the highest growth and investment rates, and the lowest unemployment and taxation rates, amongst the UK’s global peers.

“Fight the Whitehall culture of incrementalism, risk-aversion and inertia that stops much-needed change. Only then can business and government, together, work to ensure that a prosperous, confident UK can pay its way in the world for decades to come. “

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .