SNP is backing third runway because it will create jobs in Scotland

I WRITE in response to two recent Herald articles on the Scottish Government’s support for a third runway at London Heathrow Airport. Our top priority remains increasing the number of direct international flights to and from Scotland’s airports, which is important for our connectivity and long-term economic success. However, from the start of this process, we have been clear we would support the option that offers the best deal for Scotland.

The significant job creation and investment opportunities that Heathrow expansion will bring to Scotland cannot be simply dismissed, as Alison Rowat (“Principle is up in the air with SNP backing for third runway”, October 26) and Iain Macwhirter (“So, what has Sturgeon been offered to back third runway?”, October 27) appeared to do in their articles.

The creation of up to 16,000 jobs would be a huge boost for Scotland’s economy. There is also the promise of £200 million of construction spend in Scotland, as well as improved opportunities for Scottish firms to win contracts with Heathrow’s Tier 1 suppliers.

Heathrow will also base a logistics hub in Scotland, potentially at Glasgow Prestwick Airport. This would be a very important development for Prestwick and the wider Ayrshire economy. Not only would it support the pre-fabrication of components for the construction phase, but there is potential for future work beyond the launch of the third runway.

I would like to re-emphasise the Scottish Government takes its environmental responsibilities incredibly seriously. Scotland has exceeded the level of our 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent, six years early. We will also be publishing a new draft Climate Change Plan in the winter, setting out our priorities and commitments to meeting our ambitious emissions reduction targets over the coming decades.

Specifically looking at aviation, Scotland is showing global leadership by including both domestic and international flights in its emissions reduction targets. While we recognise that policies to boost economic growth by improving Scotland’s air connectivity may lead to an increase in aviation emissions, we are determined to work harder in other areas to ensure we are driving down overall emissions. It is also important to note that recent independent research concluded that Heathrow expansion could be achieved within EU pollution laws.

Expansion at Heathrow was always the preferred option of the Airports Commission, and it was up to us to get the best deal for Scotland. We will now intensify our engagement with both Heathrow and the UK Government to ensure commitments made to Scotland are followed through, without losing sight of our environmental commitments. Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh. IAIN MACWHIRTER worries about what Mrs Sturgeon has received from Mrs May in return for her parliamentary votes in favour of Heathrow expansion. What could have outweighed the interests of the Green Party? A similar and even more significant question is, “What is she prepared to offer the EU Commission and Jean-Claude Juncker in exchange for special access to the Single Market?”, since she makes no secret of wanting such a deal and even has a timetable for it. Could it be Scottish fishing rights yet again, 50 years after they were traded away?

It is surprising the Scottish Government is not seen to support the plea by Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, more strongly. Why is Mrs Sturgeon not seen sharing a platform with him? Here is a chance to get real independence in the control of our own waters and expansion of our fish stocks and revival of our own industry.

Why is this neglected in the search for will-o’-the-wisp independence and yet another referendum? Here is a heaven-sent chance to build on our success in managing spawning grounds, and to show others how to manage a large and growing critical national food resource sustainably. It restores to us a right we had for centuries. Why isn’t this a number one priority for the SNP? Could it be that it is planned to be traded off to get us even further into the arms of the EU? Peter MD Gray, 165 Countesswells Road, Aberdeen.