Andrew Mitchell MP has met with John Morris, Public Affairs Director for Birmingham Airport to discuss the Airport’s vision for long-term economic growth and how to ensure that this does not have a negative impact on his constituents in Sutton Coldfield.
Mr Mitchell discussed with officials the Airport’s long-term vision which is in response to questions asked by the Airports Commission, set up to examine the need for additional UK airport capacity. Birmingham Airport has worked with a coalition of business leaders from across the West Midlands to present a strategy that would enable the Airport to grow in line with future demand, boost global connectivity and create over a quarter of a million new jobs in the Midlands.
Following the meeting, Andrew Mitchell MP said, “Whilst it is important that we increase international connectivity to support economic growth this should not be at the expense of local communities living in a peaceful environment.
“I keep a close eye on Birmingham Airport to ensure that the economic benefits that the airport brings to our region are balanced against the environmental impact. I am satisfied from my talks with senior officials that they take protecting our local communities from unacceptable levels of noise pollution very seriously.”
The Airports Commission will produce an interim report by the end of 2013 and a final report will be published by the summer of 2015. A decision on whether to support any of the recommendations contained in the final report will be taken by the next Government.