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11/06/2012
Aviation Body Criticises UK Government Over Failure To Act On Airports
Director general of the International Air Transport Association, Tony Tyler, has warned that the UK's leading role in aviation is being badly eroded by a government that will not take the tough political decisions needed to maintain capacity.
Adding that London's future as a pre-eminent financial centre will be put at risk by "withering connections”.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Iata in Beijing, he said the British economy was suffering the consequences of refusing to invest in infrastructure.
Tyler said: "What is happening in the UK is very sad, because the UK has traditionally played a leading role in world aviation, over many decades, but it is going to see that leading role badly eroded unless something is done about hub capacity in the south-east and that really means Heathrow.
A long-awaited air policy review and call for evidence on hub capacity is expected in the coming months. While the coalition is explicitly and formally opposed to any new runways being built in the south-east, large numbers of Tory MPs have called for the party to reconsider on Heathrow expansion.
Tyler said: "It is really up to the UK to take some tough political decisions which will benefit the UK in the long run. The problem is of course that there may be a short term political price to pay for what is undoubtedly necessary for the UK to be able to develop in the way it has in the past."
(H)
Adding that London's future as a pre-eminent financial centre will be put at risk by "withering connections”.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Iata in Beijing, he said the British economy was suffering the consequences of refusing to invest in infrastructure.
Tyler said: "What is happening in the UK is very sad, because the UK has traditionally played a leading role in world aviation, over many decades, but it is going to see that leading role badly eroded unless something is done about hub capacity in the south-east and that really means Heathrow.
A long-awaited air policy review and call for evidence on hub capacity is expected in the coming months. While the coalition is explicitly and formally opposed to any new runways being built in the south-east, large numbers of Tory MPs have called for the party to reconsider on Heathrow expansion.
Tyler said: "It is really up to the UK to take some tough political decisions which will benefit the UK in the long run. The problem is of course that there may be a short term political price to pay for what is undoubtedly necessary for the UK to be able to develop in the way it has in the past."
(H)
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Bonnie Tyler Takes UK To Eurovision
'80s pop icon Bonnie Tyler will represent the UK at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. The 61-year-old Welsh singer is best known for her 1983 hit, Total Eclipse Of The Heart. She said she was "honoured" to be asked, adding: "I promise to give this everything that I've got for the UK!" she said in a statement.
Bonnie Tyler Takes UK To Eurovision
'80s pop icon Bonnie Tyler will represent the UK at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. The 61-year-old Welsh singer is best known for her 1983 hit, Total Eclipse Of The Heart. She said she was "honoured" to be asked, adding: "I promise to give this everything that I've got for the UK!" she said in a statement.
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Chinese Police 'Covered Up Murder'
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Teachers 'Can Join' BNP
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Teachers 'Can Join' BNP
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Cameron Attacks Labour Over Economy 'Failure'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
