Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond has used the approval of expansion plans at London City Airport to fire a timely reminder to colleagues in Government that a decision on a new runway in the south east is required to maintain the message that Britain is open for business.
London City Airport expansion approved
The House of Commons Transport Select Committee is already on record stating Government’s inability to reach a decision on airport expansion represents a lost opportunity to capitalise on the detailed evidence base provided by the Airports Commission.
And whilst newly appointed Transport Secretary Chris Grayling wants a “rapid decision” to be made on expanding airport capacity in the southeast, no decision is now expected before October.
In the meantime, the business community continues to express disappointment in the delay, and prominent calls continue for a decision to be made as a matter of urgency post-Brexit.
Leaving the EU only strengthens the case for expanding both Gatwick and Heathrow