Labour MPs across the North East have joined forces to ensure that the region’s voice is heard before a final decision is taken on expanding the UK’s aviation capacity.

Writing to Shadow Transport Secretary Lilian Greenwood MP as the Opposition considers its policy on the Airports Commission’s recommendation, the region’s Labour MPs have reiterated their ‘strong view that where new airport capacity is built is not just an issue for the South East’, highlighting that ‘this is a decision of strategic, national importance for the whole of the country, including our region.’

The MPs – writing as members of Labour’s Northern Group – emphasise their continued support for expansion at Heathrow ‘as the best way for the whole of the UK to capitalise on having a successful hub airport, and to ensure that capacity remains at Heathrow to connect the North East to the rest of the world.’ The joint letter also highlights how vital connectivity is for the North East, as the only region in the UK that is a net exporter.

The Northern Group’s letter concludes by urging the Shadow Transport Secretary to ensure the views of the North East are taken into account when Labour’s position on the Airport Commission’s recommendations is finalised.

The independent Airports Commission published its final report on 1st July 2015, stating that expanded airport capacity is crucial for the UK’s long-term prosperity, and central to ensuring increased productivity, growth and employment opportunities. The Commission, led by Sir Howard Davies, also unanimously concluded that the proposal for a new northwest runway at Heathrow Airport, combined with a significant package of measures to address its environmental and community impacts, ‘presents the strongest case and offers the greatest strategic and economic benefits.’

The Northern Group’s joint letter comes in the same week that an Early Day Motion has been tabled by Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, to mark the 80th anniversary celebrations of Newcastle International Airport.

Chair of the Northern Group, and MP for Washington and Sunderland West, Sharon Hodgson said:

‘The expansion of Heathrow is not only an issue that will affect the South-East but will also have significant impact on the North-East’s economic future as well.

‘As a region, we are the only net exporters in the United Kingdom and if this is to continue then there needs to be serious investment into the future of our transport infrastructure, including aviation, so that our connectivity to the rest of the country and the world can help drive business investment and tourism to create much-needed economic growth here in the North-East.’

Catherine McKinnell MP, in whose Newcastle North constituency Newcastle Airport is based, commented:

‘Newcastle Airport is the single largest employer in my constituency, and is absolutely fundamental to the success of the North East’s economy, both now and in the future – currently supporting almost 8,000 jobs, and potentially many thousands more if the right decision is taken on growing the UK’s aviation capacity.

‘It’s clear that Heathrow expansion offers the greatest benefits, for the whole of the country – including the North East – and I strongly believe that our region’s needs and views are just as important as any other part of the country when a decision on this vital issue is taken.’

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