LCCI chief executive Karim Fatehi OBE praised the Chancellor’s plans for kickstarting economic growth and said that they matched the ambitions of businesses across London and the UK. He commented: “Measures that help London’s firms attract more customers, invest in their future and continue to spread prosperity across the entire UK are essential to revitalise our economy.”
Connectivity
Fatehi particularly welcomed the Chancellor’s decision “to support expansion and the building of infrastructure across the entire UK, including in innovation hubs such as the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor which London businesses work with closely.” He added the Chamber’s support for airport expansion at Heathrow. “Trade through airports is essential for London and the wider UK’s business community. Heathrow’s role as a hub airport is crucial and unique and a third runway is much needed. Our Green Skies report shows that four in five London business leaders agree that air connectivity is vital to London’s global competitiveness, international trade and economic growth.”
Environmental concerns
Chancellor Reeves also confirmed that the Airports National Policy Statement would be reviewed to guide the development process. This support is part of a broader initiative that includes airport expansions at Gatwick, Luton and Doncaster Sheffield, as well as additional investments in infrastructure and clean energy. Reeves emphasised the importance of addressing regulatory barriers to stimulate economic growth across the country and urged proposals to progress by summer, with private-sector funding covering surface transport costs. She also announced £63 million to address environmental concerns in financing sustainable aviation fuels.
