Aviation related highlights from the Labour Party Conference, Autumn 2014
‘Not in my backyard! How can planning balance local and national interests?’
Demos and Heathrow Airport
Speaking at a Labour Party fringe event entitled ‘Not in my backyard! How can planning balance local and national interests?’ Mr Benn focussed his remarks on housing, but noted that the question of planning often posed conflicting interests for the public. Ms Dillner emphasised that local people voiced legitimate concerns over developments, calling for a planning process where concerns could be aired. Mr Milton focussed his comments on Heathrow Airport and planning for expansion, stating the airport aimed to convert people who did not support a third runway at the site. Speaking at the event were: Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary Hilary Benn; Generation Rent Community Campaigns Manager Betsy Dillner; Heathrow Airport Director of Policy and Political Relations Nigel Milton; and British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Director-General John Longworth. The event was chaired by Demos Chair of Trustees and Times columnist Philip Collins. It was hosted by Demos and Heathrow Airport.
‘Transport Hub at Conference: The Big Transport Interview with Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Mary Creagh’
Transport Hub
Speaking at a Labour Party fringe event, Transport Hub at conference, Labour Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh said that she felt state-owned operators should be allowed to bid to run UK rail franchises. Talking about aviation Ms Creagh said that the political agenda was preventing progress in this area. The event was chaired by Sky News Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge.
‘Putting people first: The consumer in the UK transport debate’
New Statesman in partnership with Gatwick Airport
The Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh called for integrated transport infrastructure plan to assist the customer journey in UK transport. While speakers from Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airports Group and Virgin Trains all argued that a competitive market place was key to providing the best passenger experience. Speaking at the event were: Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh; Manchester Airport Group (MAG) Corporate Affairs Director Tim Hawkins; Gatwick Airport Chief Executive Stewart Wingate; and Virgin Trains Corporate Affairs Director Richard Scott. The event was hosted by Gatwick Airport and the New Statesman. It was chaired by the New Statesman’s former Deputy Editor Jon Bernstein.
‘Delivering Labour’s Transport Priorities in Government’
Labour Transport Group
Speaking at an event to discuss Labour’s Transport Priorities in Government Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh called for swift decisions on transport infrastructure, which she believed to be an integral part of any transport policy. While Assistant General Secretary of Unite Diana Holland said that the Labour Party needed to develop a set of clearer commitments and a clearer message on transport policy. Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone urged Labour policymakers to adopt a transport policy that discouraged people from using cars and encouraged the use of public transport. While Labour MEP Lucy Anderson talked about the importance of devolving power regionally, suggesting that Britain was not making enough use of the EU, who had done this well. Speaking at the event were: Shadow Transport Secretary, Mary Creagh; Former Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone; Assistant General Secretary of Unite, Diana Holland; Labour MEP and Member of the Transport Committee of the European Parliament, Lucy Anderson. The meeting was chaired by the current Labour Transport Group Chair Mike Parker.
‘Made in Britain: Developing a workforce to compete globally’
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Heathrow Airport Ltd
Speaking at the Labour Party fringe event ‘Made in Britain: Developing a workforce to compete globally’, Shadow Young People Minister Rushanara Ali said the Labour Party would introduce a Technical Baccalaureate and higher quality apprenticeships to ensure young people were leaving schools and colleges with appropriate skills. Speaking at the event were: Shadow Young People Minister Rushanara Ali; TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady; Manchester Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor John Brookes; and Heathrow Airport Ltd Corporate Affairs Director Clare Harbord. The event was chaired by Financial Times Political Correspondent Kiran Stacey.
‘Urban Transport Question Time – what do the voters want?’
Passenger Transport Executives Group (PTEG)
Speaking at the fringe event ‘Urban Transport Question Time – what do the voters want?’, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Mary Creagh argued for ‘London style’ management of transport networks across the UK, including integrated ticketing. Speaking at the event were: Shadow Transport Secretary Mary Creagh; Labour MP Bridget Phillipson; Guardian Northern Editor Helen Pidd; and pteg Chair David Brown. The event was chaired by transport author and broadcaster Alan Whitehouse.