Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Deferred
Government failed to address concerns over regional economic impact of South East airport expansion.
Conclusion
We heard concerns that if airport expansion is focused around the South East of England it could concentrate wider growth in those regions. This could be detrimental to the aviation and airport sectors, and the local economy, around the rest of the United Kingdom. Whilst there were representations from regional airports in support of South East expansion, we are concerned that the Government to date has not adequately addressed these former concerns. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response deflects by discussing the review of air quality limits and other environmental assessments for Heathrow expansion, with consultations in summer 2026, without addressing the committee's concern about the regional concentration of economic growth.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth. As set out in response to Recommendation 1, as part of the ANPS review, the DfT will develop updated analysis on the economic impacts of expansion at Heathrow. Any promoter will need to demonstrate how it complies with the requirements set in the ANPS as part of its DCO application for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The existing Making Best Use (MBU) policy provides policy support for airports beyond Heathrow making best use of their existing runways, subject to related economic and environmental considerations being considered. As part of any update to the ANPS, the DfT will consider whether changes are also required to MBU to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
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