Statement from Marco Forgione, Director General of the Institute of Export & International Trade, on the Court of Appeal ruling regarding the Heathrow expansion:
At a time of change and opportunity it is essential that the United Kingdom demonstrates to the world that it is open for business and supports this commitment with investment in much needed transport infrastructure and global connectivity.
The decision, therefore, by the Government not to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling that the planned expansion of Heathrow Airport is unlawful, is puzzling and deeply worrying.
The expansion of Heathrow was overwhelmingly backed in 2018 by the Airports Commission, Government, Parliament, the devolved Administrations and more than 40 Chambers of Commerce.
With competitor nations such a France and Germany expanding hub capacity and continuing to add extra destinations to developing markets in the Far East, it is essential that the U.K. does the same if we are, as a nation, to increase trade, encourage inward investment, increase tourism and grow our economy.
Heathrow accounts for 75% of long haul flights, and 70% of our nation’s air freighted exports. At 98% capacity and with no other such national capacity, our ability to take advantage of ever increasing volumes of global trade will be seriously curtailed.
With the creation of 40,000 jobs in the local area, including thousands of apprenticeships, the expansion will greatly benefit the local economy and community.
Furthermore, with 18 associated Logistics Hubs to be built around the country as part of the expansion - including Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England – this is a project that will also benefit the entire UK.