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Heathrow Runway 3 'worth millions to Yorkshire'
THE Yorkshire economy could get a £25m-a-year boost if a third runway is built at Heathrow Airport, business leaders have claimed.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) unveiled a report which estimated the controversial project – backed by ministers despite opposition from many Labour MPs – would benefit the UK economy by 30bn over 60 years.
Environmentalists accused the organisation of "peddling voodoo economics", while the Tories and Liberal Democrats both dismissed the report which said a high-speed rail line to the North – backed by the Yorkshire Post – would "provide a good complement" to the expansion.
Transport Secretary Lord Adonis also yesterday ruled out any suggestion that support for a north-to-south fast line will be pulled because of the recession.
Business leaders arguing for the third runway hope their report will help divert the debate away from environmental concerns.
Consultants Colin Buchanan claimed the UK loses between 900m and 1.1bn for each year that the runway is delayed.
Over 60 years, it claimed the Yorkshire and Humber region could benefit by 800m. Regional airports such as Leeds
Bradford could still benefit as passengers find it easier to get to their foreign destination via Heathrow.
BCC director general David Frost said: "This comprehensive study clearly outlines the economic benefits of expanding Heathrow – an important part of the debate which too few people fully understand."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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