Airports Capacity
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Steve McCabe(8 years, 11 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
I hear what my hon. Friend says, but the call from most Members in the Chamber is to make a decision. If we reopen the whole question and go back to his suggestion, it might take rather longer.
Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)
Given the high risk that the work that the Secretary of State has announced today will not bring the Heathrow plan any closer but will just reinforce the idea that it is far too hot a political potato, why does he not revert to the Gatwick option, safe in the knowledge that, under his stewardship, HS2 will be ready well before 2030, thus allowing Birmingham to complement Gatwick?
Mr McLoughlin
I mentioned in my statement the importance of seeing other airports in the United Kingdom grow and offer more services. I think I mentioned Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow—I will be told off for the ones I failed to mention—but the point is well made by the hon. Gentleman: services from other airports are also very important indeed.
Transport Infrastructure
Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Steve McCabe(10 years, 11 months ago)
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Mr McLoughlin
I cannot add very much to what I have said already. I agree with my hon. Friend, but it is difficult for some regional airports to attract new services. That is one of the big changes that we have seen as far as the aviation industry is concerned, and I am keen to do anything I can to encourage those regional airports to be able to provide more services.
Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)
In that regard, Birmingham could cater for two thirds of the projected passenger increase from building a new runway at Heathrow at less than 2% of the £6 billion cost, without the need to demolish schools, villages or homes. Why are those considerations not worthy to be looked at now?
Mr McLoughlin
Those considerations were looked at by the commission, and there is someone on the commission who works in Birmingham.