Lib Dems Welcome Competition Commission Decision on BAA

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st Aug 2008

Commenting on the proposal of the Competition Commission that BAA should sell two of their three London airports, East of England Euro MP Andrew DUFF said:

"This is the decision we were hoping for. It means that the next owner of Stansted Airport will have to develop it without the comfort of cross-subsidy from Heathrow. The commercial environment will be tougher for Stansted in the future because of increased competition. No doubt that will cause the future owners to take a more sober view of future expansion than has been the case with BAA.

"Already, the economic downturn and oil price rises has caused a large drop in anticipated number of flights at Stansted. The Labour government's 2003 White Paper, which insisted on a second runway, is looking increasingly unjustifiable.

"The EU's decision to add the aviation sector into the carbon emissions trading scheme is another important check on the uncontrolled growth of air traffic.

"That is good news for those who live near the airport and fear its expansion as well as for those who want Stansted to offer a first class service for East of England business."

ENDS.