Prime Minister pressed on need to support Gatwick’s aviation sector

The Prime Minister has been pressed on the need to support Gatwick’s aviation sector in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Crawley MP Henry Smith asking Boris Johnson a question remotelyCrawley MP Henry Smith asking Boris Johnson a question remotely
Crawley MP Henry Smith asking Boris Johnson a question remotely

British Airways has announced massive job losses and last week Virgin Atlantic followed suit and also announced it would be pulling out of Gatwick Airport.

Crawley already faces the daunting prospect of having the hardest-hit workforce in the country, with a study forecasting 57 per cent of jobs at risk due to Covid-19.

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On Monday, Crawley’s MP Henry Smith lobbied PM Boris Johnson about the need to support Crawley and Gatwick’s aviation sector.

The Crawley MP was using the new procedure for asking questions to Government ministers remotely, as the House of Commons adapts to COVID-19 by enabling parliamentarians to carry out scrutiny of the executive remotely.

Mr Johnson replied: “We will do everything we can to make sure that we keep Britain flying and get Britain flying again in the way that it needs to, and get airports flourishing in the way that they need to. But first, as I am sure he will understand, we must devote our energies as a nation to beating this virus.”

Speaking after asking his question, Mr Smith said: “I’m continuing my call on the Government for greater support for the Crawley and Gatwick aviation industry.

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“This issue is about far more than the airlines which are household names, it’s a subject which goes to the heart of the Crawley economy and affects workers and families throughout Crawley and further afield.

“Support for such employers at this time is vital as it’s these companies which provide employment, create wealth, and offer opportunities for trade and prosperity.”

His question follows his letter to the Prime Minister on this subject which was sent earlier today, and signed by all West Sussex Members of Parliament who are not serving Government ministers.

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