London’s airports are an economic success story for the whole UK. Increasing capacity is a no-brainer, writes BusinessLDN chief John Dickie

Having jetted back from Davos, the Chancellor’s warm words to global investors about the outlook for the UK economy urgently need to be matched with action.

The past months have seen growth flatline, inflation remain above target and business confidence prove fragile. And volatility in the global bond market has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs, raising questions over how it will meet its self-imposed fiscal rules.

The government’s growth mission needs to quickly secure lift off if it is going to be able to deliver its wider agenda: more money in people’s pockets, higher investment and improved public services.

Airport expansion is a no-brainer for growth

Where better to start than finally getting shovels in the ground to increase capacity at London’s airports? It seems likely that Rachel Reeves will use a speech later this week to signal her support for Gatwick’s plans to bring its northern runway into routine use and a third runway at Heathrow to underpin its unique position as Britain’s hub airport.

© City A.M.