Representation by Caroline Ansell MP
- Date submitted
- 23 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to write in support of the proposals to develop the Northern Runway at Gatwick Airport in my capacity as the Member of Parliament for Eastbourne & Willingdon. My constituency's economy relies heavily on tourism with as many as one in four jobs depending on the trade. There has been large scale Government investment in our conference facilities in the Devonshire Quarter to help develop the town as a conference centre. Our town already benefits from the proximity to Gatwick Airport. As research by Inbound UK has shown overseas visitors have higher tourism spend, coupled with a thriving English Language teaching sector, the town will benefit yet further. I have a strong ambition for my town. I am fighting for improved road and rail connectivity, and if successful, Eastbourne will be in pole position to benefit from Gatwick's expansion. We know that mobility of people and capital is vital for economic success and taken together these will help my town overcome the challenges faced by coastal communities. My town also has huge ambition to achieve net zero. However, as Gatwick has demonstrated during COP there are new technologies and fuel sources that should see progressive decarbonisation from aviation in the decades to come. The Airport's commitment to reach net zero by 2040 is especially welcome. Therefore, we should not be presented with a false choice between decarbonisation or economic opportunities for the region.