Support for G1

We are very grateful indeed to all those who support growth and development at Stansted Airport, and are delighted to have received so many encouraging messages since Uttlesford District Council refused permission for us to grow beyond our current passenger limit of 25 million a year. Our case will now be heard at a Public Inquiry but here are some of the comments we have received:

"This decision is a huge blow to the economy in Essex. We are an island economy and many of the multinational companies based in Essex are dependent on timely, reliable access to international markets. With the 2012 Olympics on the horizon, Essex and the region needs extra capacity at Stansted."

"Restricting growth at the county's main trading gateway will damage tourism, reduce inward investment and will be detrimental to the region's competitiveness."

John Clayton – Chief Executive, Essex Chambers of Commerce

"We are disappointed with today's decision. If London and Britain are to remain competitive in the face of fierce competition from other European airports, difficult decisions will need to be taken. London is forecast to increase both in population and in employment and we should be looking to increase our transport capacity, not constrain it. More public inquiries won't make this issue go away."

Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive, London First

"This was a vital decision for London's world city status, for the capital's economic welfare and for millions of Londoners."

"Restricting growth at Stansted is short-sighted and will damage both the competitiveness both of London and of UK plc."

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"Allowing the airport to grow is one of the key factors to the continued prosperity and competitiveness of the East of England region. It is vital therefore that Stansted - especially with the growth of the region's knowledge economy - is allowed to grow beyond its current passenger limits In refusing this application the Council has adopted a short-sighted position which is bad news for business and for all of us who want to see the region prosper."

Richard Tunnicliffe, East of England Regional Director, CBI

"This decision is bad for business and bad for the economy in Cambridgeshire, which relies heavily on access to effective air-transport links."

John Bridge, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce