A third Heathrow runway will boost the economy by just £8.80 per person every year, according to SNP-commissioned research.
The House of Commons analysis shows that UK GDP is set to increase by £17.1 billion by 2050 as a result of the plans to expand the airport.
This would result at £220 per head over the 25 year, given that the UK population is set to rise to 77 million by 2050. This amounts to £.8.80 a year per person. SNP Deputy Westminster Leader Pete Wishart said the figures show Labour is “without a clue how to fix broken, Brexit Britain.”
But some Nationalists remain firmly in favour of Heathrow expansion. Fergus Ewing said bringing a third runway to the London airport “is the future gateway for Scottish Highlands and islands exports to the willing world”.
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves had claimed building a third runway at Heathrow will boost Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon exports. The move was broadly welcomed by the two industries, especially given that salmon is Heathrow’s biggest export product.
But Wishart, a senior SNP MP, appeared to play down the benefits of a third runway. He said: “Not only was Rachel Reeves’ economic statement entirely focussed on England, we now know her flagship policy is worth just £8.80 per head – this is a Labour Government without a clue how to fix broken, Brexit Britain.
“Instead of sticking their heads in the sand for the next 5 years, it’s time for Labour to recognise that the only route to recovery is through the Single Market – that’s what the SNP has consistently called for and it’s time the Labour Government came to terms with that reality and followed suit.
“Rachel Reeves offered nothing for Scotland and, instead of delivering vital investment, the Labour government cut £800million of supercomputer funding from Edinburgh, failed to deliver the £1billion of carbon capture funding Scotland was promised, failed to provide HS2 investment to Scotland, and failed to restore millions of pounds in lost EU funding for Scotland’s communities
“If a third runway at Heathrow is all the Chancellor can muster then it’s abundantly clear there is no fixing broken, Brexit Britain – only the SNP is demanding the common sense approach and a return to the Single Market while Westminster lives in a complete fantasy.”
The UK Government has been approached for comment.
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