Autumn Statement 2012 – BATA Response

December 5th, 2012

BATA has issued a response to today’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor.

BATA Comment on Autumn Statement

Responding to today’s Autumn Statement, Simon Buck, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association , (BATA) said:

“While we welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of over a billion pounds of additional investment in UK road transport infrastructure, we regret that the Coalition Government continues to stand in the way of private investment in new runway capacity where it is most needed. As an island, trading nation, International air links are vital for the UK economy if we are to compete effectively for new overseas business and boost tourism. It is shameful that successive Governments have shied away for almost 40 years from taking difficult decisions on permitting privately funded new runway provision in the south east of England where capacity constraints are greatest, resulting in lost business opportunities and jobs to our near Continental rivals who appear to have no such qualms over building new runways. It is essential for the UK’s future competitiveness that new runway capacity is permitted, to provide for existing and future needs. I hope that will be the conclusion of the Davies Commission when it reports in the summer of 2015 and that any such recommendations are implemented by the next Government, of whichever political party, without further delay.”

ENDS