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More than twice as many of London’s businesses support expansion of Heathrow over Gatwick, according to the results of a new poll.
Some 59% of members of the London First group favour a new runway at Heathrow against 25% who back Gatwick for a second runway.
The majority of London First members (89%) said politicians should take swift action on the Airport Commission’s final recommendation on expansion, irrespective of the location.
A bigger majority (95%) agreed that expanding airport capacity in the southeast should be a “critical priority” for the next government.
The Airports Commission’s analysis shows that a new runway at Heathrow it will generate up to £211 billion in economic growth and up to 180,000 jobs across the country.
Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “London is a world city that has been at the centre of global commerce for centuries.
“To maintain our competitive advantage we need to expand Heathrow and connect not just London, but the whole country, to the globe’s fastest growing markets.
“That’s why we have huge and growing support from businesses, business groups, unions, airports and politicians across the country.
“This issue is urgent and we agree that Government needs to act swiftly after the election. The answer is clearly Heathrow. Let’s get on with it.”