Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the CBI’s comments on aviation expansion, said:

“The CBI is right – more dither and delay over expanding our aviation capacity will cost the UK economy billions of pounds.

“Labour supports more airport capacity.  It is vital to Britain’s economic success and in maintaining our status as Europe’s most important aviation hub.  That’s why we have called on the Government to take a swift decision to back Sir Howard Davies’ proposals as long as some key economic and environmental tests can be met.

“The Government should be listening to business about the threat of inaction, not just to trade and growth, but the knock-on risk it poses to jobs.”