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Heathrow delay to cost more than £5bn, says CBI chief

The head of the CBI has said that delaying a decision on expanding Heathrow Airport could cost the economy more than £5bn.

Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the business lobby organisation,responded to reports of delays to the plans to build a third runway at the west London airport as a result of concerns the Prime Minister has regarding air pollution.

In July, the Airport’s Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, gave the project a formal nod of approval. The plans are now set to be considered by a government sub-committee under the watch of David Cameron.

Following backlash from MPs and local residents, the government is expected to say that the expansion will not be considered until the airport can demonstrate its ability to meet pollution targets.

Ms Fairbairn said: “Now is the time for real leadership on expanding the UK’s aviation capacity.

“A decision from the Government to commit to delivering a runway will provide an enormous boost to Britain’s workers, makers and exporters.

“After three years of evidence gathering and a decisive report from the Airports Commission, businesses want to see the Government maintain the positive momentum this has delivered, by making a clear decision with a timetable for action.”

She said the UK economy could lose up to £5.3bn a year in lost trade if the new runway is not in operation by 2030.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .