Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the publication of the Airports Commission’s final report, said:

“Labour has always been clear that more airport capacity is vital to Britain’s economic success and we need action if we are to maintain our status as Europe’s most important aviation hub.

“We will scrutinise the Airports Commission’s final report carefully. If the recommendation can meet a number of tests, including consistency with our climate change obligations, we will take a swift decision to back Sir Howard Davies’ proposals.

“How we tackle the need for aviation expansion is likely to be one of the biggest decisions for this country this decade and the ministers’ difficulties with their own party should not influence their approach. We must not let politics get in the way of good business – there is too much at stake.

“This issue has been kicked into the long grass too many times and Labour will be ready to back the decision that is in the best long-term interests of the country.”  

Labour will take time to scrutinise the report carefully to ascertain that a number of key tests can be met.  These include:  

·         First, that robust and convincing evidence is provided that the required increased aviation capacity will be delivered with Sir Howard Davies’ recommendation.

·         Second, that the recommended expansion in capacity can go hand-in-hand with efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from aviation and allow us to meet our legal climate change obligations.  

·         Third, that local noise and environmental impacts have been adequately considered and will be managed and minimised.  Any decision on expansion must take into account the impact upon local communities in terms of noise, access and air quality.

·         And fourth, that the benefits of expansion, including any infrastructure, employment and supply-chain benefits, will be felt in every corner of the country (as has successfully been the case with Crossrail), not just the South East of England and that regional airports will be supported too.  This cannot just be yet another major transport investment just for London.