78% of firms oppose expansion at Heathrow. A survey released last month by the London Chamber of Commerce shows there is little demand amongst businesses in London for further expansion at Heathrow (1). The survey will come as a major embarrassment for Future Heathrow, the pro-expansion pressure group, which has consistently argued that, if Heathrow does not grow, businesses will relocate to other European cities (2).
But the Chamber of Commerce survey reveals that less than a sixth of firms would even consider leaving London if Heathrow does not expand. In fact, 78% of firms were opposed to expansion at Heathrow. Indeed, nearly half of all firms — 44% – argued for an increase in Air Passenger Duty and a tax to be imposed on aviation fuel to limit the environmental impact of air travel.
John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN ClearSkies, said, “This survey has clearly backfired for the London Chamber of Commerce, who are supporters of Future Heathrow. The fact they chose to call their report ‘The Business Case for Airport Expansion: Why the Anti-Airport Protesters are Wrong’ will simply have added to their embarrassment. No wonder it has taken a full month for the details of the findings to trickle out.”
HACAN ClearSkies has produced its own fact sheet refuting the arguments put forward by Future Heathrow (3).
ENDS
Notes for editors:
(1) The survey was published in March. Further details can be obtained from the London Chamber of Commerce on (020) 7203 1897.
(2) Future Heathrow is headed up by Lord Soley, the former Labour MP Clive Soley. The aim of the pressure group is to push for further expansion at Heathrow.
(3) The fact sheet is attached.
For further information contact John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650