Gatwick Airport is a major provider of employment and business activity to the entire area. Jeremy is keen to work with the airport in the interests of the community and expects them to act as a good neighbour.
While we welcome the positive economic impact of Gatwick it is incumbent on the Airport to do its utmost to reduce aircraft noise and the negative impact of its services on the community. Expansion in the number of flights and passengers must also be seen in the context of the impact on local road and rail infrastructure and the wider environment.
Jeremy actively supported expansion at Heathrow rather than Gatwick which he believed was the right answer for the U.K. for reasons including respective international connectivity, resilient domestic travel links and the opportunity for freight. Had Gatwick expansion been approved he was also concerned at the potential impact on local infrastructure, especially already often overburdened road and rail services and housing provision. He was pleased the independent Davies Commission, the Government and Parliament all came to the same conclusion.
Jeremy took a close interest in the actions of the Gatwick Coordination Group of MPs and both with the Group and individually he is in regular contact with the Airport, campaign groups and the Department for Transport on behalf of constituents.
Please see below for latest updates from Jeremy on Gatwick issues: