PM urged to back the expansion of regional airports
BUSINESS and political leaders from the West Midlands have written to Prime Minister Theresa May urging her to support the growth of a competitive network of airports, rather than expanding in the South East.
Among the signatories of the letter are the chief executives of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Marketing Birmingham and Birmingham Airport, as well as MPs and educational leaders.
The Government is due to make a decision soon on whether to expand airport capacity in the South East – expected to be a straight choice over whether to add a third runway to Heathrow or a second at Gatwick.
Earlier this week, it emerged that the Prime Minister was considering the possibility of expanding Birmingham Airport as a way of tackling congestion in the skies above London.
The letter said: “We urge the Government to consider the impact on all UK airports when making its decision on airport capacity in the South East, ensuring that any such decision allows for a competitive market in which airports can act as drivers for local growth in their regions.
“Allowing a third runway at Heathrow would re-forge its monopoly, under- mining the benefits brought by the break-up of the BAA, and restrict the growth of direct flights to and from our great regional cities.”
The letter highlights Birmingham Airport’s role in maximising the benefits of HS2 which will have a station there, stating that : “With HS2’s arrival in ten years, the airport will become the UK’s first high-speed connected airport and its catchment area will be dramatically enlarged into central London, giving it an increasingly national role.”
Commenting on the growth of the Midlands Engine, the signatories state that the region could grow up to £34 billion by 2030 if the Government continues to make decisions in view of rebalancing the UK economy.
Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Birmingham Airport’s growth and our region’s growth go hand in hand, with the airport plugging our businesses into global opportunities and attracting inward investment.
“We want a decision for the South East’s airport capacity that does not undermine direct connectivity to the Midlands Engine and supports a competitive network of airports, not a larger hub.”
Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe added: “A vibrant Birmingham Airport is vital to the growth of our region. Expanding Heathrow could threaten to stall the Midlands Engine.
“In contrast, a competitive network of airports would support the continued growth of our region’s connectivity and would maximise the benefits of HS2.”
A vibrant Birmingham Airport is vital to the growth of our region. Expanding Heathrow could threaten to stall the Midlands Engine Airport chief executive Paul Kehoe
including 32.8 per cent long haul growth compared to July 2015.
Birmingham Airport is also central to maximising the benefits of HS2. With HS2’s arrival in ten years, the airport will become the UK’s first high-speed connected airport and its catchment area will be dramatically enlarged into central London, giving it an increasingly national role.
To support this continued growth in our region and to maximise the benefits of HS2, it is vital that the Government supports a competitive network of airports across the UK rather than an expanded hub in the South East.
Allowing a third runway at Heathrow would re-forge its monopoly, undermining the benefits brought by the break-up of the BAA, and restrict the growth of direct flights to and from our great regional cities.
The Midlands Engine could grow up to £34 billion by 2030 if the Government continues to make decisions in view of rebalancing the UK economy.
We therefore urge the Government to consider the impact on all UK airports when making its decision on airport capacity in the South East, ensuring that any such decision allows for a competitive market in which airports can act as drivers for local growth in their regions. Paul Faulkner, chief executive, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce; Paul Kehoe, chief executive, Birmingham Airport ; Steve Brittain, managing director, BSA Technologies; Jonathan Browning, chairman, C&W LEP; John Callaghan, principal, Solihull College; Simon Chapman, managing director, Yee Group; Rick Grain, founder, Effigy Blinds; Colin Leighfield, director, BE Wedge; Tim Pile, executive chairman, Cogent Elliot ; Neil Rami, chief executive, Marketing Birmingham; Bernard Shepherd, consultant, Clark Brookes Turner Carey Solicitors; Joan Smith, director, Solihull Chamber of Commerce; Stewart Towe, chairman, Black Country Consortium (LEP); Chris Wheeler, director, Auditel; Adrian Wright, president, Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Ian Austin, MP for Dudley North; Jeremy Lefroy, MP for Stafford; Karen Lumley, MP for Redditch; Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr; Steve McCabe, MP for Selly Oak; James Morris, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis; Gisela Stuart, MP for Edgbaston; Mike Wood, MP for Dudley South; Valerie Vaz, MP for Walsall South; James Carver, MEP for the West Midlands; Anthea McIntyre, MEP for the West Midlands; Sion Simon, MEP for the West Midland;s Baroness Burt of Solihull; Baroness Kramer.