Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has waded into the debate over the future funding of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Liverpool City Region chief Mr Rotheram said a balance must be struck between attracting investment and “ambitious net zero carbon targets” but the debate must not be allowed to become a “binary choice between protecting jobs and reaching our climate objectives.
The former Labour MP’s comments - in which he said the “strategic importance” of the airport was recognised - came in the aftermath of growing political consensus against potential expansion of the site in Speke.
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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority provided the airport with support throughout the pandemic – including a £30m loan to allow operations to continue and to protect local jobs.
Mr Rotheram said: “We recognise the strategic importance of Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the city region economy in terms of international connectivity and as a vital local employer with good, unionised jobs.
“The Combined Authority provided the airport with significant support throughout the pandemic – including a £30m loan to help ensure operations could continue in the face of unprecedented challenges to trading conditions and to protect local jobs.”
Reports on Liverpool Council policies and plans relating to green space and the environment and a write-up of the process for, and consequences of, removing all financial support from LJLA are being developed for councillors to discuss.
An initial motion had been put forward by Green Cllr Anna Key, that if adopted, would instruct the council’s executive to remove financial aid to the airport altogether.
The Metro Mayor added that any plans for the airport must align with plans for growth and net zero ambitions.
He said: "We must strike a balance between continuing to attract inward investment to our city region and our ambitious net zero carbon targets.
“Under my leadership, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was the first to formally declare a climate emergency and set-out proposals for us to be net-zero carbon by 2040 or sooner – a full decade ahead of national targets.
“Despite planning and aviation being outside of the remit of our devolution agreement, I believe that any plans for the airport must align not only with our net-zero ambitions, but also with our plans for inclusive, economic growth – ensuring our local communities are fully consulted and empowered.
“However, we must not allow this debate to become a binary choice between protecting jobs (and attracting new ones) – and reaching our climate objectives. Our future economy needs to deliver both.”
Dissent around proposed airport expansion has also come from members of Mr Rotheram’s own party at the Town Hall.
Cllr Lena Simic said: “Let’s be clear, nobody wants airport expansion” while Warbreck ward member Cllr Alan Gibbons express his “total” opposition to the plans.
The reports on the airport are expected to go before city councillors next month.
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