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More people support airport expansion than oppose it in every nation and region of the UK, according to the results of a new poll.
An independent study of UK voters by Populus for airport expansion campaign group Let Britain Fly found that those supporting new runways in the southeast outnumber those against expansion by three to one.
Respondents also backed calls for the new government to use its fresh mandate to make an early decision to expand airport capacity once the Airports Commission publishes its final recommendation, again with a ratio of 3:1 in support.
Of the 2,159 respondents nationwide surveyed:
- 45% supported new runways being built and 16% opposed
- In London, support for building new runways rose to 52% and just 14% opposed
- 45% supported the new government making a quick decision to expand airport capacity and just 13% opposed
- Over two thirds (69%) supported airports being obliged to improve public transport links if given the green-light to expand
- 58% supported the government establishing an independent aviation noise authority to help address the concerns of communities affected by aircraft noise
Let Britain Fly director, Gavin Hayes, said: “It is clear there is strong public support for new runways and for ministers to make an early decision.
“Once the Airports Commission has published its final report in the coming weeks, the government must grasp the moment and give the go ahead to build a new runway in a timely manner, so we can ensure spades are in the ground by 2020.
“With all of London’s airports filling up fast we cannot afford any further dither or delay.”