Britain ‘risks losing its competitive advantage’ if a second runway at Gatwick is not approved, ministers have been warned.
In a letter seen by the Mail, more than 50 business groups urged transport secretary Heidi Alexander to back plans to use the northern runway full-time.
Currently the additional runway at the West Sussex hub is only used for taxiing and emergencies.
But with permission for regular use the airport could introduce more long-haul routes, creating 14,000 jobs and boosting the economy by £1 billion annually, the letter said.
‘Competitive advantage’: Currently the additional runway at Gatwick is only used for taxiing and emergencies
This would “provide a significant boost to the economy by helping to support new jobs, tourism and trade”, according to a letter organized by business partnership group Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI).
It was supported by 55 signatories, including the Confederation of British Industry. GDI chairman Brett North said the approval of the runway would be a “vital step” for the future economic growth of the South East.
DIY INVESTMENT PLATFORMS
A. J. Bell
A. J. Bell
Easy investing and ready-made portfolios
Hargreaves Lansdown
Hargreaves Lansdown
Free fund trading and investment ideas
interactive investor
interactive investor
Invest for a fixed amount from € 4.99 per month
Sax
Sax
Get £200 back in trading fees
Trade 212
Trade 212
Free trading and no account fees
Affiliate links: If you purchase a product, This is Money may earn a commission. These deals have been chosen by our editors because we believe they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.