Henry Smith MP has given his backing to the Government’s announcement of support for the runway expansion of Heathrow Airport, while remaining confident for the future of Gatwick Airport, which is in the Crawley constituency.
Henry said;
“I welcome the Government’s decision, made in the national interest, to support a new runway at Heathrow Airport, as recommended by the independent Airports Commission last year. Heathrow’s hub connectivity is far greater in terms of UK as well as international passengers and freight and therefore the best economic option for London and south east England.
“From discussions I’ve had with airlines I’m confident that Gatwick Airport will continue to grow in terms of passenger numbers, and UK, European and global destinations.
“Recently I met with Norwegian, who are expanding their operations from Gatwick Airport, and easyJet are also developing. New routes to the both the Far East and the US have recently been added.
“While Heathrow has been chosen to expand, I’m confident that Gatwick will continue to prosper as an alternative choice.
“A key factor in ensuring this will be improvements to the rail network – we’ve all seen how the Brighton main line has struggled over the last year. I’ll continue to make representations to the Transport Secretary on this issue, which is of vital importance to Crawley residents and businesses alike.
“Lack of infrastructure, such as rail, road, housing and healthcare meant Gatwick’s case wasn’t as strong. With almost full employment in the Crawley area the travel to work distance for an expanded airport would have resulted in further transport pressures. Additionally, whilst recognising the importance of the airport, the Crawley area needs to stay diverse and not only be reliant on aviation and its fortunes.”
The development is to be the first full length runway in south east England since the Second World War. The scheme will now be taken forward in the form of a draft National Policy Statement for consultation next year.
Henry Smith MP asked the Secretary of State for Transport;
“In the national interest, I welcome the Government’s confirming what the Airport Commission has said is right for this country, and I also welcome my right hon. Friend’s warm words about Gatwick. Can he give assurances that surface access to Gatwick will continue to be enhanced, particularly the rail route, as we go forward?”
The Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, responded;
“I do not think that any of us could think that the Brighton main line was the priority, for a whole variety of different reasons. We have to deal with the short-term issues and challenges, but we also need to think about how we can best deliver the necessary improvements for the medium and longer term. There is no doubt we need a modernisation programme, but we also need a programme that causes the minimum possible disruption to passengers.”