The UK government is still committed to delivering runway expansion in the south east, despite the uncertainty created by last week’s decision to leave the European Union.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin told the National Infrastructure Forum in London it would be “short-termism” to scrap the projects.
“As we address the future and the consequences of our vote to leave the European Union, one thing is certain, investment in long-term infrastructure is needed,” said McLoughlin. “It has become more important, not less important.”
He added: “We remain committed to expansion and we remain committed to delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by Sir Howard Davies.
"This remains one of the most important decisions for the Government to take”
The Airports Commission has recommended a third runway at Heathrow over expansion at Gatwick. In December, the government further delayed a decision on whether to build a third runway at Heathrow, causing anger among businesses and politicians.
Also speaking at the event was Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye who said the future economic security of the UK depended on Britain being an “outward looking trading nation”.
“Now more than ever, Britain needs to underpin its globally recognised economic strength by delivering privately funded infrastructure projects like a third runway, to protect growth and underpin investor confidence,” he said.
“Constraints at Heathrow risk us falling behind our European counterparts and if Heathrow falls behind, Britain falls behind. Now is the time to reinforce our place in the world and send a message that the UK is open for business.”
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