Reform UK Group Leader Alex Wilson AM hosts first-of-its-kind City Hall event championing aviation in London
On October 8th, Alex Wilson AM welcomed representatives from Heathrow Airport, Airlines UK and DHL, alongside councillors and campaigners, for a first-of-its-kind event at City Hall championing London’s aviation sector.
The audience, made up of industry professionals, campaign representatives, local politicians and members of the public, listened as speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by aviation.
Alex Wilson AM said: “I’m delighted to have hosted a successful event championing such a vital sector that’s been taken for granted for so long by politicians on all sides. The winds are changing now, and a stronger pro-aviation, pro-growth consensus is developing in London for the first time in decades. I and Reform UK will always bang the drum for aviation – when it falls behind, so too does Britain’s economy.
“As a key global city, London must do all it can to allow airports, airlines, freight operators and the wider supply chain to not only operate without excessive regulatory burden, but to grow in order to keep up with international competitors. That growth starts with getting Heathrow’s third runway built without further delay.”
Nigel Milton, Heathrow Airport’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, said: “Aviation is one of London's great success stories. Heathrow plays a vital role in connecting businesses, people and trade to 92% of the global economy. But at a time when competing nations are investing heavily in aviation and expanding capacity, the UK cannot afford to stand still.
“Maintaining London’s status as the world’s best-connected city as well as the UK's position as a leading trading nation requires bold ambition and long-term investment in aviation infrastructure.”
Before the end of the year, Alex Wilson AM will publish an investigative report into London’s aviation industry, its challenges, and how politicians at all levels can foster its genuine growth to benefit Londoners.
Notes for editors:
Speakers at the event were:
- Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow Airport
- Rob Griggs, Policy and Public Affairs Director, Airlines UK
- Ben Hodgson, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain, DHL Group
A photograph of the event is available by clicking here, and may be used without attribution.