Ulster Unionist MP, Danny Kinahan and Ulster Unionist Peer Lord Empey have welcomed today’s announcement that a third runway will be built at Heathrow.

A statement was made by the Transport Secretary in the House of Commons this afternoon outlining the Government’s plans for airport expansion.

South Antrim MP, Danny Kinahan said:

“Today’s announcement that a third runway is to be built at Heathrow is good news, which should be welcomed.

“While I appreciate environmental and local concerns that people have, it is vital that we continue to build our airport capacity in the United Kingdom to encourage investment and  keep the economy growing.

“Airport expansion should not be a question of either Heathrow or Gatwick, we should be ambitious enough to expand both.

“Gatwick is reaching full capacity and does not face some of the challenges that Heathrow does in terms of proximity to housing, and therefore could be a ‘shovel-ready’ project, which can advance quickly.

“Airport expansion at Heathrow and Gatwick is not just important for London and the South-East, it affects us all over the UK, including here in Northern Ireland.”

Lord Empey of Shandon said:

“I very much welcome the statement by the Government today on Heathrow expansion, after years of debate and delay around this issue.

“As the Transport Secretary has said, the building of a third runway will increase connectivity within the UK and also build on trade links around the globe.

“Heathrow is the UK’s national hub, indeed because of its importance I have introduced a private members bill into the Lords, which seeks a legal guarantee for regional airports to maintain slots at our busiest airport.

“The Belfast to London Heathrow routes are vital for economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.

“The announcement today will go some way to ensure the future of our linkages to the nation’s capital.”

ENDS