Lift off for plans for third runway at Heathrow

Members of Parliament in Westminster are set to vote within days on the National Policy Statement, which contains principles for Heathrow airport’s proposed £14 billion expansion.

Parliament now needs to lift its head above the Brexit debate to demonstrate a longer term vision for a UK that is open for business and globally accessible.

Only by expanding the UK’S aviation capacity are we giving ourselves a chance, post-eu exit, to maintain our place amongst the leading economies and give confidence to international investors and trading partners.

Promoting connectivity and exports are core activities for the worldwide network of chambers and we will continue to make the case for expediting this critical infrastructure project, unlocking growth and creating jobs.

We will also be keeping a close eye on the £14bn in economic benefits – including the 16,000 jobs expected to be created in Scotland as part of the expansion – and Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) will ensure Scottish businesses get a fair crack of the procurement opportunities from this Uk-wide infrastructure investment.

The vast majority of the world’s biggest ex-europe growth markets will be accessible only via a UK hub for the foreseeable future and expanding Heathrow’s capacity will improve our ability to connect with markets globally.

Expansion will also improve domestic competition to the benefit of air passengers and the ring-fenced slots for domestic routes will enhance Scotland to Heathrow air linkages for business, tourist and consumer passengers alike.

Recent new direct routes to China, the US and elsewhere exemplify the great progress in route development made by Scotland’s airports in recent years.

The commercial and diplomatic skills required to secure these agreements should not be taken for granted and our network’s airport members make an enormous contribution to securing and strengthening Scotland’s place on the global stage.

If MPS approve the statement, the wheels of contemporary British-style process will start to turn.

A public consultation will commence, followed by a judicial review.

If the latter produces no surprises, Theresa May’s government will grant the special type of planning permission known as a development consent order.

This time at least, the plans are supported by the Conservative government, the DUP, the SNP and many Labour MPS, although Labour’s leadership objects to the plans, as do some prominent Tories.

So while still far from certain, it is clear that frustration with constraints on freight and passenger traffic at Heathrow has finally conquered inertia and indecision.

It may be at least another decade before it benefits passengers and freight carriers, but Scottish contractors are well placed to share in a procurement bonanza, as well as the promised Scottish-based “logistics hub”.

Achieving lift-off for Heathrow expansion, although complex, remains absolutely necessary.

It’s now over to our MPS to press ahead to secure and boost the UK’S place on the world economic stage.

MPS will vote on proposals for the expansion of Heathrow Airport.