Forwarders demand action over Heathrow airport expansion

UK freight forwarders have backed a new report criticising the country’s government for its lack of action on expansion at Heathrow airport.
The National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) first Annual Monitoring Report took the government to task for the slow progress of infrastructure development, including airport capacity in the south east of the country.
Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission John Armitt said: "It is imperative that a Parliamentary vote on the expansion of Heathrow takes place no later than this summer.
"Any further delay would be irreconcilable with the Government’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure the country needs.”
UK freight forwarder group Bifa, agreed with the report. Director general Robert Keen said: "We share the disappointment expressed by Armitt about the lack of progress with expansion at Heathrow and agree that the government needs to deliver on its promise of making a decision on the airport”s third runway by the summer.

“Any further delay would be irreconcilable with the government’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure the country needs. It should take note of the NIC’s call for action and come forward with a clear plan for progress.”

“Over the last couple of years the Government has regularly identified the need for capital and infrastructure investments and Bifa has frequently said that there is a pressing need to improve the country’s transport infrastructure across all modes. Today’s NIC report shows that its time for action, not words."
The government gave its backing to the development of a new runway at Heathrow in October 2016.
However, with the project has several hurdles it must overcome and will be voted for in the House of Commons. This vote has been pushed back by an unscheduled general election, which pushed the reset button on Parliament’s Select Committee process.
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