Praise for Stansted in Westminster debate

Stansted plays a vital role in maintaining international connectivity and is now fulfilling its potential under the ownership of M.A.G said the Aviation Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, at the House of Commons yesterday (February 12, 2014).

Speaking at a Westminster Hall debate about the ‘Future of Stansted Airport’, the Minister said:

"The Government recognises the important role Stansted plays in maintaining the UK’s connectivity and I welcome the significant investment in new facilities and services by the airport’s new owners - M.A.G. Stansted is now fulfilling its potential – the future looks very promising."

The Minister went on the say that the Department for Transport is considering the introduction of earlier and later trains to and from Stansted and a new service to Cambridge to cater for growing demand.

David Lammy, MP for Tottenham who led the debate, called Stansted an "infrastructure success" and paid tribute to the investment and "forward thinking of the new owners". He went on to say that the Stansted has huge potential, particularly given future growth along the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor and the future growth of London to the east, "the corridor is vital and Cambridge is a beacon of growth and opportunity but we can’t do this without a thriving airport and a high speed rail link". He called on Government to act with urgency and implement improvements to the West Anglia Mainline (WAML), saying that urgent consideration should be given in the 2014 Budget and Autumn Statement to funding improvements to the line.

Responding to the debate, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, Andrew Harrison, said:

"People are noticing the significant investment and changes we are making at Stansted. The airport is now beginning to reveal its true potential, and improving the rail links will help drive growth by bringing Stansted closer to London. It is vital that investment is brought forward so that Stansted can play its full part in meeting demand for air travel over the next 10 to 15 years. This is a key issue for the region as well as the airport, because a fast and reliable rail service will bring huge benefits for commuters, and support economic regeneration and thriving industries up and down the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor."





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