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Britain “risks losing its competitive advantage” if a second runway at Gatwick is not approved, ministers have 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.
Currently, the extra runway in central West Sussex is used for taxiing and emergencies only.
But with permission for regular use, the airport could introduce more long-haul routes, creating 14,000 jobs and a £1bn annual boost to the economy, the letter added.
‘Competitive advantage’: Gatwick’s extra runway currently used only for taxiing and emergencies
This would provide “a significant boost to the economy by helping to support new jobs, tourism and trade”, according to a letter organized by business group Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI).
It was backed by 55 signatories, including the Confederation of British Industry. GDI president Brett North said approval of the runway would be a “vital step” for the future economic growth of the southeast.
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