Britain ‘risks losing its competitive edge’ if a second runway at Gatwick is not approved, ministers have been warned.
In a letter seen by the Mail, more than 50 business groups urged Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to support plans to use the northern runway full time.
At present, the extra runway at the West Sussex hub is used only for taxiing and emergencies.
But with permission for regular use, the airport could introduce more long-haul routes, creating 14,000 jobs and a £1billion annual boost to the economy, the letter added.
‘Competitive edge’: At present, the extra runway at Gatwick is used only for taxiing and emergencies
This would deliver ‘a significant boost [to] the economy by helping support new jobs, tourism and trade’, according to a letter organised by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI) business partnership group.
It was backed by 55 signatories including the Confederation of British Industry. GDI chairman Brett North said the runway approval would be a ‘vital step’ for the South East’s future economic growth.
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