Enterprise M3 LEP disappointed by Government’s delay to make a decision to back Heathrow expansion

The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership is hugely disappointed that Government has delayed the decision on the airport expansion until summer 2016. The lack of decision will perpetuate uncertainty for our businesses and there is likely to be a significant detrimental impact on the economic growth that Government says it is committed to.

The Local Enterprise Partnership, which represents the voice of local businesses to Government, says that a quick decision is vital for businesses.

The Enterprise M3 LEP, which stretches from mid and North Hampshire to South West Surrey, is frustrated by the announcement from Government because the deferment will do nothing to address the lack of airport capacity in the south east. The delay in making this crucial decision will lead to continued uncertainty and undermine economic growth of the area and the country and is frustrating to local businesses.
Government agrees with the Airports Commission that the south-east needs more runway capacity by 2030.

Geoff French, CBE, Chair of the Enterprise M3 LEP, said: “We are extremely disappointed that Government has postponed the decision, despite the very clear recommendation by the Davies report, as well as the strong representations made by ourselves and businesses across the Enterprise M3 area.

“The continuing uncertainty around this announcement will make it far more difficult for the UK economy to compete in international markets, in the short-term.

“The need for additional airport capacity in the south east is critical and not one that is going to go away. I am pleased that the Government has for the first time agreed that the south east needs more runway capacity by 2030 – however it now needs to commit to a new runway in the area so that businesses can plan for the future with confidence.

“The LEP fully recognises the importance of environmental concerns but urges a quick response.

“Despite the delayed decision on the expansion of Heathrow, it remains vitally important that Government recognises that Heathrow is still the UK premier hub airport and access into Heathrow continues to be critical.
“Improved infrastructure is needed to accommodate the existing level of operation, which will continue to grow, even without a decision on its expansion. The Government should therefore now firmly commit to the delivery of southern rail access to Heathrow as soon as possible.

“The economy of the Hampshire and Surrey area covered by the Enterprise M3 LEP depends on strong links to the UK’s international airports, including Gatwick. Without additional aviation capacity, growth is limited.
“This area is one of the highest performing economies in the UK, and one of the key factors that underpins this success is our relative proximity to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Some 10,000 Enterprise M3 LEP area residents work at Heathrow, and we have severe concerns that the continuing uncertainty will have a detrimental impact on the potential for job growth in our area.”