My Barnoldswick & Earby Times, Colne Times and Nelson Leader Column for Friday 29th June 2018…
This week, the Commons voted to make a big investment in Britain’s long term economic future by backing plans to expand Heathrow Airport. The new runway will send the message that our country is open for business and will benefit the North West with more connections for Manchester Airport. Without it, our major airports will be at full capacity within a few years, damaging prospects for all corners of the country.
The new runway will boost the UK economy by around £74 billion and will be entirely privately funded, meaning taxpayers will not have to pick up the tab. The project will also ensure that the UK remains a global leader in aviation and be good for the aerospace industry.
Although the Heathrow expansion is welcome news, Airbus’s announcement that they would consider cutting jobs if no deal is reached in the Brexit negotiations has caused concern. Airbus want what everyone wants and is working for; a good deal with the EU that allows British businesses to trade with Europe and the rest of the world. Their comments echo what they said during the referendum campaign, when the British people voted to leave the EU.
Nonetheless, businesses deserve to be listened to especially Airbus as a thriving UK aerospace sector is vital for Pendle. I brought the Brexit Secretary, David Davis, to Foulridge to hear from T&R Precision last year and earlier this month met with Greg Clark MP, the Business Secretary, to discuss the job losses at Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce’s continued investment in its two Barnoldswick sites is important for our local economy. The Government is supporting Rolls-Royce through the Aerospace Growth Partnership, which incentivises research and development, and helps the company secure export deals and expand production facilities across the country. I have also been working with Rolls-Royce on getting Government approval to manufacture Small Modular Reactors, which would help the UK meet its energy needs.
I will continue to back projects like Heathrow that are good for our country and its economy, whilst also working with Pendle’s businesses, may of who will be looking forward to next week’s Pendle Business Awards. The sixth Pendle Business Awards, t the Fence Gate, will showcase the fantastic depth of talent, successes and local contribution made by our boroughs businesses and I wish all the nominees the best of luck.
