Public back new runway by three to one – new survey
Britons supporting new runways in the South East outnumber those against expansion by a factor of 3 to 1, according to an independent poll of UK voters by Populus for airport expansion campaign group Let Britain Fly.
The poll shows more people support airport expansion than oppose it in every nation and region of the UK.
Voters also backed calls for the new Government to use its fresh mandate to make an early decision to expand airport capacity once the Airports Commission publishes its final recommendation, again with a ratio of 3:1 in support.
Of the 2159 respondents nationwide surveyed by Populus on the 6th and 7th of May:
- 45% supported new runways being built and 16% opposed.
- In London support for building new runways rises to 52% and just 14% oppose.
- 45% supported the new Government making a quick decision to expand airport capacity and just 13% opposed.
- Over two thirds (69%) support airports being obliged to support improvements to public transport links if given the green-light to expand.
- 58% support the Government establishing an independent aviation noise authority to help address the concerns of communities affected by aircraft noise.
Gavin Hayes, Director of Let Britain Fly said: “It is clear there is strong public support for new runways and for Ministers to make an early decision. Once the Airports Commission has published its final report in the coming weeks, the Government must grasp the moment and give the go ahead to build a new runway in a timely manner, so we can ensure spades are in the ground by 2020. With all of London’s airports filling up fast we cannot afford any further dither or delay.”
For further comment / to arrange an interview call Gavin Hayes on 07900 195591
Notes to editors
– Let Britain Fly is an independent campaign coalition whose founding statement has support from more than 100 senior business leaders from Britain’s top companies, trade and professional associations, unions and educational institutions, along with business organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, London First, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and the British Hospitality Association. For more information visit: www.letbritainfly.com
– Populus interviewed 2,159 UK adults online between 6th-7th May 2015. Data have been weighted to be representative of all UK adults in terms of gender, age, SEG and region. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For more details go to: http://www.populus.co.uk/Poll/Let-Britain-Fly-Survey/
Gavin Hayes
Director, Let Britain Fly
D: 020 7665 1435 T: 020 7665 1500
Website: www.letbritainfly.com Twitter: @letbritainfly
c/o London First, Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JE
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