Heathrow is not just best for Britain, it is also backed by Britain

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We face two huge economic challenges as a country. We have to compete – and win – globally for jobs, trade and investment. But critically, we have to ensure all UK nations and regions share in the proceeds of this growth.

Across the world, countries are building for the future to ensure they have the right infrastructure and skills to come out on top. And we must do the same.

It is why the decision of the future of the UK’s aviation capacity is both so urgent and will be one of the most significant the next government will take.

Further delay will put at serious risk the UK’s long-term growth and prosperity as we fall behind our global competitors. And unless the new capacity serves and connects all of the UK, the danger is our economy will remain unbalanced. That is why Heathrow has to be part of any solution.

Heathrow is the UK’s only global hub airport and one of Britain’s greatest national assets connecting all of the UK to the world. As the world’s best located hub, 95% of the global economy is within range of a direct flight. Record investment over the last decade has made Heathrow a world-class airport – named recently in the Skytrax Awards as the best in Western Europe.

But Heathrow is full, creating a lost decade of connectivity for British business of all sizes from all corners of the country. Take the Liverpool School of English that wants to welcome more students from Brazil, Russia, India and China. Or chocolatier in Staffordshire, Louis Barnett, who wants to expand his business into new markets, especially the Americas.

Succeeding in these new markets for both requires frequent and direct flights – something only an expanded Heathrow is able to deliver. That’s why we went back to the drawing board and came up with new proposals so the benefits from expansion are maximised and shared across the country.

The independent Airports Commission’s own analysis has already found expansion at Heathrow delivers a total economic benefit of up to £211 billion and 180,000 jobs – more than any other option. And importantly outside London and the South East up to £114bn and 80,000 new jobs will be created, giving a necessary choice when it comes to rebalancing the UK economy.

Our new plans have strengthened Heathrow’s reach to every corner of the UK. Heathrow expansion will enhance existing links and establish new connections from all UK regions and nations not only to London but through London to growth markets across the globe. No other airport can promise or deliver this level of global connectivity.

Our proposals will put Heathrow at the heart of the UK transport system so that 12 million people will be within 60 minutes of the airport. And we want to improve our connections with all other UK airports through new and expanded routes.

Heathrow’s role is complementary to the thriving network of local airports across the UK. However, like our direct competitors in Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, we serve markets that cannot be served by point-to-point airports.

Balancing our economic needs with our environmental impact is also essential. We’re clear that one should not be favoured over the other and we’ve worked hard to minimise the airport’s environmental footprint.

As the Independent Committee on Climate Change has confirmed, aviation expansion is compatible with meeting the UK’s climate change targets. And, by proposing to locate the new runway further west, noise levels will also be reduced for our neighbours.

We’re also committing to carry more than 50% of our passengers on improved public transport, up from 40% this year and allowing Heathrow to expand without increasing the number of cars on the road.

It is for both our economic and environmental credentials that Heathrow has the support of politicians and businesses across the country as well as our local community.

Today, over 30 Chambers of Commerce, and trade unions such as the GMB and Unite are backing us. Regional airports, national trade bodies such as the manufacturing group, EEF and the Freight Transport Association and major airlines including EasyJet – Gatwick’s biggest airline – too have all thrown their weight behind us. Now, that’s real momentum.

The evidence before us shows an expanded Heathrow is the best solution to help rebalance our economy and can be achieved within the UK’s environmental targets.

Heathrow is not just best for Britain, it is also backed by Britain. It’s time to get on with it.

This is a sponsored post, and does not necessarily represent the editorial views of LabourList