Britain’s biggest trade union Unite has called upon Labour MPs to back plans to build a third runway at Heathrow.
As the House of Commons prepares to debate possible Heathrow expansion this afternoon, Unite claims that failure to do so would lead to both jobs and the airport’s international standing being jeopardised.
In a letter being sent today to all Labour MPs, the Union claims: “The UK needs a new runway if we are to stop jobs going abroad and to keep the British economy competitive.”
Unite national officer Brian Boyd said: “It is time for decisions to be made that may not be popular ones but are the right ones for jobs and our economy.
“The re-establishing of Heathrow as the number one international hub airport and the security of thousands of jobs at Heathrow is extremely important.
“A third runway is absolutely crucial if we are to maintain the UK’s leading edge as an international transport hub.”
Unite national officer for civial aviation Steve Turner added: “The Government’s decision to expand Heathrow remains the right one for jobs, passengers and the environment.
“If this key strategic decision is over-ruled now then jobs and passengers will simply move overseas.”