MP for Cramlington and Killingworth advocates for regional benefits to Heathrow Airport expansion
Emma Foody MP has raised the vital role of Newcastle Airport in the North East’s regional economy, following the Chancellor’s speech on Growth. The Chancellor made a number of key announcements, one of which was the expansion of Heathrow Airport.
Newcastle International Airport campaigned for a third runway at Heathrow, advocating for increased capacity that would provide our region with greater connection opportunities for business, investment, supporting and sustaining jobs in the North East and the country.
In the House of Common’s debate, Ms Foody, speaking to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury, said “Newcastle International Airport is crucial for connecting businesses and people in the North East to the rest of the world, often through flying via other hub airports.”
Ms Foody asked; “Does the Minister agree with me that increased capacity at Heathrow will provide vital opportunities for the North East, boosting economic growth for the entire country?”
The Government states a third runway at Heathrow would unlock growth – boost investment, increase exports, and could create over 100,000 jobs. A recent study from Frontier Economics, showed over half of the boost will go to areas outside London and the South East.
Chief Secretary of the Treasury Darren Jones MP replied; ‘Look, she’s absolutely right in the premise of her question. For businesses to export, they need to be able to send their goods, and if they can’t get slots at Heathrow in order to get these goods distributed around the world, they just won’t be able to do business.’
Mr Jones continued, ‘This Government will unlock that opportunity for them, and I look forward to the potential it will bring to her constituency and the region.’
After the debate Ms Foody commented; ‘Long term infrastructure decisions can help to unlock economic growth across the country and I will continue pushing for policies that ensure really opportunities can take off in our region and our constituency’
Image attribution: Tomek Baginski