The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has condemned the Government’s ‘gutless’ move to delay a decision on a new runway in the South East of England.
It was announced last week that no decision would be made before the summer of 2016 despite the promise of a verdict by the end of this year.
There are three options: a third runway at Heathrow Airport; a second at Gatwick Airport; or extending an existing runway at Heathrow.
“Businesses will see this as a gutless move by a government that promised a clear decision on a new runway by the end of the year,” said John Longworth, the BCC’s Director General.
“Business will question whether ministers are delaying critical upgrades to our national infrastructure for legitimate reasons, or to satisfy short-term political interests.
“Businesses across Britain will be asking whether there is any point in setting up an Airports Commission – or the recently-announced National Infrastructure Commission – if political considerations are always going to trump big decisions in the national interest.
“The Commission has said that a new runway should be built at Heathrow, and quickly. Expansion at other airports is needed too. Ministers need to stop prevaricating and get on with doing what the country sorely needs.”
