An appeal has gone out to consumers to sign a pledge demanding politicians back new runways in London and the southeast.
The Let Britain Fly campaign group pledge aims to put pressure on political party leaders, calling on them to:
- Make a public pledge to build more runway capacity and commit to this in their 2015 election manifestos
- Ensure a Parliamentary vote on airports expansion in 2016 at the latest.
Using email and social media in the run-up to next year’s general election, the campaign aims to engage hundreds of thousands of people across the country ahead of the release of the Airports Commission’s final recommendations next summer.
A roadshow of events will be staged in Newcastle, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Liverpool together with a high-profile presence at the forthcoming party political conferences in Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Let Britain Fly director Gavin Hayes said:
“It’s not just a shortlist of options we need, but the political will to do something – without cross-party commitment none of these proposals will get past the drawing board – that’s why we are urging the public to speak out on the need for vital new runways.
“Often in the public debate on airports expansion we hear loudly the concerns of those people who are against; Let Britain Fly now wants to create the space and opportunity for the ‘silent majority’ of people who are in favour of expansion to also have their say.
“The evidence suggests that a majority supports airports expansion, and understands the need to support jobs and growth across the country.
“Today we are giving them a chance to speak out on this important issue by signing the Let Britain Fly Pledge and demonstrating to politicians that voters think this issue is of national importance.”
A number of business leaders are supporting the call which coincided with the Airports Commission rejecting proposals for a new London hub airport in the Thames estuary, leaving three shortlisted options for expansion of either Heathrow or Gatwick.
Harrods managing director Michael Ward said:
“Harrods attracts visitors from around the world. But changes in the global economy mean we need to reach out to new markets which complement our existing links. That’s why we have been vocal in the debate over airport expansion.
“But this is not a decision for British business. The government should be listening to the public, and the evidence suggests that a silent majority support airport expansion.
“We urge those people to ensure their voice is heard on this vital issue and sign the Let Britain Fly Pledge.”