Member Article

Clamour grows for runway decision as Khan backs Gatwick

Calls for a decision on expanding the South East’s airport capacity have grown following the announcement of Theresa May’s cabinet, with Sadiq Khan adding his voice to those in favour of a second runway at Gatwick.

It comes after the airport announced an additional £200m investment in transformation works, bringing total investment in the transport hub to £1.2bn over the next five years.

The backing of the Mayor of London will be a major boost to Gatwick’s campaign to get a second runway greenlit over a proposed third runway at Heathrow.

Praising the airport’s decision to unlock a further £200m on improvement works, Sadiq Khan said: “Gatwick is the front door to London for millions of visitors to our city and I salute their decision to spend another £200m on improvements to the airport. They have put together a formidable plan that is a fantastic display of their confidence in London.”

He then moved to put pressure on May to reach a swift decision on the matter after repeated delays by David Cameron’s government, and reaffirmed his backing for the Gatwick project.

Khan added: “The new Prime Minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick, which would bring substantial economic benefits.”

In yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle, Chris Grayling was promoted to Transport Secretary, meaning he will be the government minister for making the final decision on whether or not to follow the recommendations of last year’s Airports Commission report which backed a third runway at Heathrow.

In a sign that the public jostling between the UK’s two biggest airports is really going to hot up now that a new government is in place, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye, cited a ComRes poll of Conservative councillors yesterday as proof that a third runway has the backing of the party’s grassroots.

In a statement he said: “This poll gives our new Prime Minister and Transport Secretary more confidence to back Heathrow knowing that grassroots Conservatives are behind them.

“A groundswell of Conservative Councillors, members and MPs from across the UK agree that a global, outward looking trading nation like ours needs Heathrow expansion now more than ever.”

However, today’s investment announcement by Gatwick, which includes expansion at both North and South Terminals and upgrading shopping facilities, has seen Chief Executive Stewart Wingate attempt to seize the initiative, boosted by the the London Mayor’s backing.

He said: “As Gatwick rapidly approaches full capacity, this increased investment paves the way for our second runway project. As we enter a new era for Britain, we must be agile and decisive as a country to show the world that we are open for business.

“It is now clear that only Gatwick can deliver the runway Britain needs to boost international competitiveness and trading links at a time when it is most needed, and we can do that before 2025.”