Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has taken a major step forward in preparing Britain for leaving the EU by publishing proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
A national public consultation began this week into one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects which will help build a Global Britain.
On 25 October 2016, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed that the Government’s preferred scheme for adding new runway capacity in the South East is through a new Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport, in line with the recommendation made by the independent Airports Commission, and that the policy for this would be brought forward by way of a draft National Policy Statement (NPS) which would be subject to public consultation.
This move, taken for the country as a whole, will ensure Britain has the connections it needs to thrive in the global market, sending a clear signal that Britain is open for business, and we are creating an economy that works for everyone.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Aviation expansion is important for the UK both in boosting our economy and jobs and promoting us on the world stage.
Leaving the EU is a new chapter for Britain and provides us with a great opportunity to forge a new role in the world. We are determined to seize that opportunity an having the right infrastructure in place will allow us to build a more Global Britain.
By backing the Northwest runway at Heathrow airport and publishing our proposals, we are sending a clear signal that when we leave the EU, we are open for business.
Key benefits of the new Northwest runway are expected to be:
- a £61 billion boost to the UK economy over 60 years;
- tens of thousands of additional local jobs by 2030;
- an additional 260,000 flights a year, with an extra 16 million long haul seats for passengers travelling from UK airports in 2040; and
- reduced fares, fewer delays and more daily destinations for passengers.
