MPs support rapid response to Airports Commission recommendations

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A poll by the Airport Operators Association ahead of tomorrow’s expected publication of the long-waited report found that 38% of MPs “strongly agreeing” with the need for immediate action.

Support is strong among both Conservative and Labour MPs, with 82% of Conservatives agreeing (39% strongly) that the government should act on the recommendations, compared to 73% of Labour MPs (43% of whom strongly agree).

With Commission chairman Sir Howard Davies due to deliver recommendations on a whole range of aviation issues, including how the UK can best make use of existing capacity at airports across the country, other results published as part of the survey include:

• 91% of MPs agree (with 53% strongly agreeing) that airports are important economic drivers for the regions where they are based
• 86% of MPs agree (with 38% strongly agreeing) that policy makers should support solutions that make best use of existing capacity at airports, as well as increasing the UK’s runway capacity
• 81% of MPs agree (with 44% strongly agreeing) that supporting growth in aviation is necessary if the UK is to increase its exports

AOA chief executive, Darren Caplan, said: “The AOA welcomes the completion of the Airports Commission’s work and supports the assertion it has already made in its interim report regarding the need for both airport expansion and making better use of existing capacity.

“Now that the Commission is due to publish its long-awaited final report this week, it is clear that there is overwhelming support amongst MPs for the government to respond as quickly as possible to its recommendations, in order to maintain momentum, remove uncertainty and ensure that the UK gains from the additional airport capacity it so vitally needs.”