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TMCs frustrated by Heathrow expansion opposition
Travel management companies have voiced their frustration and concern after reports that the Labour Party could vote against plans for a third runway at London Heathrow.
A report in the Financial Times claims senior Labour figures say the party’s leadership is ‘almost certain’ to block expansion on environmental grounds.
"Reports that plans for a third runway at Heathrow could be opposed by the Labour Party Leadership and some Conservative MPs are frustrating, detrimental to the economy and severely short sighted,” said a statement by the GTMC.
“As the voice of the business traveller, the GTMC is very clear that airport expansion in the South East is vital for the UK’s continued economic growth, particularly post-Brexit.”
The statement continued: “There is no scenario in which curtailing air connectivity can mean growth for the UK economy. Heathrow is at capacity, both as an international gateway and a regional hub for UK airports outside of the South East.
"We yet again urge politicians of all parties to seriously review any possible plan not to approve airport expansion. Parliamentary decision makers need to think beyond the next election, and take a long term view that considers the nationwide impact of not allowing air connectivity to stimulate economic growth.”
Warning of job losses, it added: “The infrastructure to access other growing markets is essential post-Brexit to avoid UK businesses becoming disadvantaged compared to overseas competitors. Without greater air capacity jobs will be lost to other countries."
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Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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