The UK Government was urged to consider expanding airport capacity closer to Britain’s “centre of gravity” yesterday – as peers criticised the delayed response to the Airports Commission report.
Liberal Democrat peer the Earl of Glasgow said he was disappointed ministers were only looking at options in the south-east of England.
He asked whether the aim was primarily to provide extra capacity in the “crowded south-east” or to create a hub that would rival the big European airports.
The government also faced accusations the decision on the commission’s final report, which recommended expansion at Heathrow, had been kicked into the long grass.
David Cameron had promised a decision by the end of last year.
But it was put back to this summer so an environmental impact assessment could be carried out and the “best possible mitigation measures” considered.
There was further frustration among north and north-east business leaders last month after Transport Secretary Patrick
McLoughlin hinted the decision on a new runway could be delayed by the EU referendum.
Addressing the House of Lords, the Earl of Glasgow said: “If it (the aim) is to establish a first-class international hub airport … surely it is better located outside of the south-east?”
He suggested Birmingham, pointing to the planned high-speed rail link.
“It is much closer to Britain’s centre of gravity and half-way to the aspirational northern powerhouse,” he added.
But Transport Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said the government was committed to the commission’s findings, adding: “We will not be considering any other options.”
Labour peer Lord Harris of Haringey said the issue had been kicked into the long grass, asking: “How much is the government going to dither over this issue because it doesn’t want to make a political decision?”
Lord Ahmad pointed to the environmental considerations, adding: “It isn’t about keeping things in the air. On the contrary it’s about getting these things in the air on the ground.”
Labour peer Baron Foulkes of Cumnock, a former MP and MSP, mockingly suggested airport capacity was now being coordinated by Sir John Chilcot.
The chairman of the long overdue inquiry into the Iraq War has been widely criticised for taking so long to produce his report.
Lord Ahmad replied: “That may be your view, it’s certainly not mine.”