Business groups say this week’s High Court decision ‘is another important step towards bringing fifty years of indecision and delay on expanding Heathrow to a welcome close’.
Freight and business representatives in the UK have welcomed a High Court ruling this week that looks set to allow the government’s expansion policy for Heathrow Airport, in the form of plans to build a third runway, to proceed.
Alex Veitch, head of multimodal policy for the Freight Transport Association, (FTA), said the ruling, “which permits the government’s Heathrow expansion policy to proceed, will reinforce the nation’s position as a global trading hub after Brexit, according to FTA, the business organisation which represents the logistics sector”.
He continued: “Heathrow is already Britain’s largest port by value, and more capacity is needed to enable British businesses and consumers to thrive in our global economy. Expansion should of course proceed within environmental constraints, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to support a sustainable aviation sector for the future.”
Tom Thackray, Infrastructure and Energy Director at business group CBI, said: “This clear ruling is another important step towards bringing fifty years of indecision and delay on expanding Heathrow to a welcome close. Firms know we can’t wait any longer for the growth in trade we need to see if the UK is to remain a globally competitive economy.
“As Heathrow’s plans show, expansion can – and must – be delivered in a way that benefits our economy and protects our environment as we deliver our ambitious climate change targets. With the new global links and routes it will bring, and the opportunity to unlock jobs right across the UK, a third runway at Heathrow operational by the 2030s will set the UK on course for a bright trading future.”
Source: Lloyd’s
