Heathrow launches ‘election-style’ expansion manifesto pledging to secure a stronger economy in the North West

Heathrow launches ‘election-style’ expansion manifesto pledging to secure a stronger economy in the North West

• Heathrow expansion manifesto built around five new pledges to create jobs, connect businesses to global growth, improve domestic connections, be a better neighbour and secure a lasting legacy for future generations
• The North West will gain up to 15,000 new jobs and up to £12.5bn of economic growth if Government approves Heathrow expansion

Heathrow Chairman Lord Paul Deighton today pledged to secure the economic future of families across all of Britain if the airport is allowed to expand.

Underlining the importance of a decision for the economy of the North West, Lord Deighton unveiled an ‘election-style’ manifesto this morning at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and highlighted that Heathrow expansion would be the right choice to benefit every part of the North West.

 

The manifesto is built around five core pledges to secure a brighter future for the North West and reflects the prize for the Government if it chooses to expand the nation’s only hub:

1        Help Britain’s economy grow, creating up to 15,000 new jobs across the North West.

2        Let the North West stand tall, connecting local businesses with up to 40 more long haul destinations across the globe.

3        Meet tough environmental and noise limits, enforced by new independent regulators.

4        Improve connectivity with Liverpool, with plans for a domestic air connection.

5        Secure a lasting legacy for future generations, enabling our children to compete in the global race.  

 

After considering all the evidence objectively, the Prime Minister’s Airports Commission unanimously decided that Heathrow expansion is the best choice for the whole of Britain. 

Earlier this month, Heathrow cleared the way for the Government to support its expansion proposal by meeting and, in most cases, exceeding the conditions set out in the Airports Commission’s recommendation for Heathrow expansion.

 

At Liverpool John Lennon Airport today, Heathrow Chairman Lord Paul Deighton said:

“If Heathrow falls behind, Britain falls behind. That means fewer jobs and less security for families in Liverpool.  That is why we must have runway capacity that is fit for the future and build it now.

“Economic security, plans for a domestic air connection, outward looking abroad but fair to our neighbours at home – that is the promise of our manifesto and this is why Heathrow is the right choice for the North West.”

 

Andrew Cornish, CEO of Liverpool John Lennon Airport said:

"Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been a long-time supporter of plans to expand Heathrow and we continue to work together closely to promote the mutual benefits of an expanded Heathrow.

We urge the Government to give the go ahead of this important expansion so that regional airports such as Liverpool can benefit by the opening up of access to the UK’s hub airport for improved worldwide connectivity."

 

Terry Scuoler, CEO of EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, says:

"The brake on expansion at Heathrow is also a brake on UK jobs and growth. While the Government continues to dither, the tally of lost opportunities for UK business continues to mount. Valuable contracts remain on ice and this undoubtedly means manufacturers of all sizes, supply chains and regions are losing out."

 

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

"Business across Britain needs Ministers to act on the Airports Commission recommendation from last July.  A new runway at Heathrow represents the best chance we have for airports expansion, and today they make clear commitments to boost cargo for exports, and to improve regional connectivity.  It's now time to back British business."