Oral Answers to Questions

James Duddridge Excerpts

Monday 22nd January 2018 Commons Chamber

[James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)]

10. What steps the Government are taking to ensure that the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission takes account of the needs of south Essex.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)]

Under Sir John Armitt’s leadership, the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission is engaging all interested parties, including on last Friday’s visit to Southend airport, which I understand my hon. Friend attended. The commission is developing an ambitious vision for south Essex, north Kent and east London, and will publish its final report this spring.

[James Duddridge]

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. London Southend airport, as we like to refer to it, will have a major impact on the commission. What role does he see London Southend airport playing in boosting growth and productivity across the whole of south Essex?

[Jake Berry]

I, too, like to refer to it as London Southend airport, which I think is its correct name. It is a real success story and has great potential for growth—it has an ambitious 2 million passenger target this year. Stobart Group has already invested £162 million in a new terminal. That puts London Southend airport at the heart of the Thames estuary commission’s growth plans.