Heathrow sets new record as Britain’s economy takes off

LONDON’S Heathrow Airport enjoyed its busiest day in its history at the end of a record-breaking July.

The figures added to positive UK economic growth figures including, in particular, for the building sector.

Richard Tice, co-chairman of pro-Brexit group Leave Means Leave, said: “Britain is clearly performing very well despite the apocalyptic predictions made by Remoaners.

“Hopefully one day they will realise that many of the good things happening in Britain are because of Brexit and the huge opportunities it offers us as a nation.”

Heathrow said Sunday July 29 saw it welcome nearly 262,000 passengers in 24 hours, the most for a day in its 72-year lifetime. The total of more than 7.8 million travellers using Heathrow in July made it the airport’s 21st record month in a row.

Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “It’s brilliant to see even more international visitors coming to the UK and supercharging the country’s economy this summer.”

The Office for National Statistics said economic growth rebounded from April to June. Gross Domestic Product grew 0.4 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2018.

The figures included a 0.9 per cent boost in construction output.

The Builders Merchants Federation reported that their average daily sales in June were more than 11 per cent higher than a year ago, and total sales in the first six months of this year were four per cent up on the same six months of 2017.

The Department for International Trade hailed ONS figures showing British exports of goods and services rising faster than imports for the 11th month in a row. The overall trade deficit narrowed by £6billion to £25billion in the year to June.