Home   Thanet   News   Article

Secretary of state for transport Patrick McLoughlin says there is hope for Manston Airport supporters

A crowd of Save Manston Airport supporters gathered at the passenger terminal for a visit by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin today.

He presented a five-point plan to re-open the airport with Thanet’s Conservative election candidates.

He said: “The message for the people of Thanet is that in Sir Roger Gale and Craig Mackinlay they have two people who are leading a campaign and as secretary of state I take notice of what they are saying.

North Thanet candidate Sir Roger Gale, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, South Thanet candidate Craig Mackinlay and leader of Thanet Conservatives Bob Bayford
North Thanet candidate Sir Roger Gale, transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, South Thanet candidate Craig Mackinlay and leader of Thanet Conservatives Bob Bayford

“I have had many conversations with Sir Roger Gale and two ministers of state have visited.

“John Hayes has been down specifically to look at the whole issue and we are taking action on the representations that have been made by Roger.

“I hope we will be able to take actions on the representations made by Craig after the election.”

Mr McLoughlin could not confirm a date for the completion of PricewaterhouseCooper’s (PwC) interim report but remained upbeat about the future of the airport.

Patrick McLoughlin
Patrick McLoughlin

He added: “It is an important asset to the area and that’s what we should look at it as, once assets get stripped out or removed they don’t come back.

“There can be a viable option for both freight and passenger services and a lot of airports run both.

“There is definitely hope for the airport in the area.”

The plan is already underway with PwC expected to provide an interim report as part of their independent review.

The second stage will involve lobbying Thanet District Council to block planning consent for the development proposed by Manston’s owners.

Supporters of the airport started to arrive at 1pm
Supporters of the airport started to arrive at 1pm

After this a compulsory purchase order would be sought with an indemnity partner covering costs and steps would be taken to have certification from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The final part of the plan would be to enlist commercial partners to make sure the airport remains open.

South Thanet election candidate Craig Mackinlay said: “Our five-point plan to Save Manston Airport is thought through, viable and it has the support of the secretary of state for transport.

“It also has support from ministers in the department for business, department for communities and local government and the prime minister.”

Craig Mackinlay, Patrick McLoughlin and Sir Roger Gale
Craig Mackinlay, Patrick McLoughlin and Sir Roger Gale

North Thanet candidate Sir Roger Gale said: “This yet again underscores the importance of Manston in government.

“I’ve said many times this has the prime minister’s support and that’s why the secretary of state for transport is down here.

“We want Thanet council to know that we can go ahead safely with a compulsory purchase order all paid for by RiverOak.

“What I am absolutely certain of is that we have the backing of Downing Street and the backing of the chancellor of the exchequer who ultimately had to sign off the money to pay PwC to do the job.”

However, a Ukip spokesman has branded the says the Conservative Party’s plan on Manston Airport “a joke”.

They said: “For the Conservative Party to suddenly be registering support for Manston Airport during an election campaign is a bit like a late April Fool’s Day joke.

“This is ridiculous when you consider it’s a Tory run Kent County Council which has done absolutely nothing on this issue. In fact it’s the Conservatives have been the key blockers in this entire process.

“The Prime Minister David Cameron has said himself that the future of the airport lies with its own private owner. This confirms that the Tories have no credible interest in what happens to Manston Airport.”

Chris Musgrave, left, and Trevor Cartner at Discovery Park
Chris Musgrave, left, and Trevor Cartner at Discovery Park

In response to the secretary's visit, airport owners Trevor Cartner and Chris Musgrave reaffirmed their plans.

A spokesman said: "We are not surprised by the comments made today. There is an election campaign going on after all. What has been said is not a view held by others in their party and is certainly not backed by all the residents of Thanet.

"As the communities and local government secretary says we shouldn't pre-judge anything and we await the outcome of the PWC report with interest.

"Our proposed development is about creating jobs, the kind of highly skilled jobs that will benefit the economy of Thanet and East Kent for years to come. We are looking to the future, not the past.

"This summer we will present the first draft of our master plan which will set out in more detail what we intend to do to bring the kind of benefits the airport, that in all the time it was open, has never been able to achieve.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More