I feel strongly that the proposal for a Thames estuary airport has not been thought through and is an idea that will undoubtedly cause more problems than benefits.
First and foremost this airport is just not needed and is not wanted by the people of Southend. Over recent months there has been substantial investment and development to increase the passenger capacity at London Southend Airport. There has been a new train station, control tower, terminal and runway extension. All of this investment is expected to expand the capacity of the airport to enable up to two million passengers per year by 2020 to travel from, and into, London Southend Airport.
I have remained fully supportive of the expansion plans to our existing airport. I do not support an additional, ill conceived, expensive proposal. At times of national economical hardship I cannot justify supporting further unnecessary expenditure. Moreover, ensuring the preservation of wildlife and the natural environment within the proposed area is of significant importance. This idea was branded about a number of years ago, it was unworkable then, it remains unworkable now.