I firmly believe that a Heathrow expansion would have a positive impact on both Bath and Western England’s economy. I have recently spoken in Parliament about the importance of extending the Great Western Mainline to Heathrow and I will continue to push for the completion of this. This, however, must come alongside improvements to environmental mitigation schemes.
The Airport Commission's final report concluded that the proposal for a new north-west runway at Heathrow, combined with a significant package of measures to address its environmental and community impacts, presents the strongest case and offers the greatest strategic and economic benefits. The report found that this option would provide around 40 new destinations from the airport and more than 70,000 new jobs by 2050. Many of these would be taken in the West of England. The Government will continue to consider the shortlist of options.
I know that my ministerial colleagues are fully committed to delivering the important infrastructure projects they have set out, including delivering runway capacity on the timetable set out by the Davies report. It is vital that the UK is seen to be open for business and building the infrastructure we need to compete.