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Osborne promises action to tackle UK aviation congestion

Davies recommendations must be considered ahead of any plans being put before Parliament “in the autumn”, says Chancellor.

George Osborne

Chancellor George Osborne has vowed to study the recently published Davies Commission airport recommendations with “the respect and detailed consideration it deserves”.

While stopping short of endorsing the recommendation by Sir Howard Davies’ commission to expand Heathrow Airport with a third runway, Osborne stressed the need for government to be “ambitious and forward looking” when it comes to a decision. 

“We now need to give this report, which clear, reasoned and based on the evidence, the respect and detailed consideration it deserves before we act," George Osborne

“We now need to give this report, which clear, reasoned and based on the evidence, the respect and detailed consideration it deserves before we act,” he said in astatement to delegates at today’s Runways UK event.

“We will then decide on the best way to get planning consents if expansion is to go ahead, before coming back to Parliament in the Autumn to give clear direction on the plans,” he added.

The Davies Commission was launched three years ago to try to navigate a path through the highly controversial decision making process surrounding a decision to solve the UK’s growing south east airport congestion problem.

When the Davies Commission was set up by the Coalition government in 2013, the pledge was that action on the recommendation would follow swiftly. However the recent Tory manifesto was less forthright, stating simply: “We will … respond to the Airports Commission’s final report”.

However, Osborne repeated his commitment to the aviation sector today pointing out: “Our aviation sector has been at the heart of our economic success and quality of life – but current congestion is hold Britain back and there is a need to increase capacity.” 

He added: “As a nation I believe we must be ambitious and forward looking. This is a once in a generation opportunity to answer an important but vital question, and ensure we take the long term decisions needed to secure Britain’s economic future.”

If you would like to contact Antony Oliver about this, or any other story, please email antony.oliver@infrastructure-intelligence.com.