A COVENTRY MP voted against an expansion at Heathrow amid fears about Birmingham Airport’s future.
The House of Commons passed the controversial motion for a third runway at Heathrow Airport with an overwhelming majority.
This was despite a group of Midlands Labour Party MPs – including Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham – who opposed the government and pledged their support to expanding Birmingham and other regional airports instead.
Birmingham Airport criticised the government’s narrow focus and suggested the new runway could increase competitive pressure.
Mr Cunningham said: “The figures prove London and the South East already receive more funding per head for transport than the rest of the UK.
“The decision to expand Heathrow will only make the funding for transport in this country more unequal.
“I want to see more money spent in the West Midlands.
“The expansion of airports elsewhere in the country has not been properly and fairly considered.
“There is never an easy answer to airport expansion.
“Wherever an airport is expanded there will be issues with noise and pollution but to put all our eggs in one basket, as the government is essentially doing with Heathrow, neglects the West Midlands and the rest of the country.
“As the MP for Coventry South I have to think about whether this benefits my constituents and I have to conclude the benefits are not anywhere near a level I would think acceptable given the significant amount of money, disruption and pollution involved.”
A spokesperson from Birmingham Airport said: “Heathrow expansion is still a long way off, with 2030 the earliest date for completion and it’s unclear what the aviation market will look like at this point, given a fast moving global economy and Brexit uncertainties.
“Furthermore, while the precise impact on Birmingham from a third runway at Heathrow remains to be seen, there will eventually be additional competitive pressure.
“We look forward to seeing the government’s commitment to supporting regional airports with existing capacity come to life in the forthcoming Aviation Strategy.
“We believe the government should work with us and our local and regional partners to improve transport links and surface access within and around Birmingham and the West Midlands, rather than focusing narrowly on connectivity to Heathrow.”
The motion was also passed despite high-profile environmental concerns from Friends of the Earth.
Meriden MP Dame Caroline Spelman – who voted for the motion – said the new Heathrow runway was essential but she supported improved connectivity to Birmingham Airport.
