The UK’s largest trade unions have called on Theresa May to back Heathrow when parliament returns next week.
The TUC, Unite, GMB, Prospect and British Airline Pilots Association have urged the new Prime Minister to “prove her commitment” to industry and growth by backing the west London hub.
The unions have written an open letter calling May to support the recommendation of the Airports Commission and announce “a clear and final decision to build a new third runway at Heathrow”.
A decision on whether to expand Gatwick or Heathrow has been delayed several times since the Airports Commission recommended Heathrow. A final decision is expected by the end of 2016.
Trade unions warn that government failure to finalise the decision could hold back the 70,000 jobs the Airport Commission says will be created in the vicinity of Heathrow, and thousands more across the UK.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “If we want a stronger economy, we must build the infrastructure British industry needs to compete in the world.
“We’ve heard positive words about industrial strategy from the Prime Minister, but it’s action that counts. When parliament returns, the Prime Minister should waste no time in announcing a clear and final decision to build a new runway at Heathrow.”
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