News

On Thursday 5th November, Julian Brazier, the Shadow Minister for Transport, responsible for Aviation and Shipping, visited Luton Airport where he met with key local business leaders and took questions and answers on ‘the future of transport and infrastructure in the East of England’.

More than 20 local business leaders and representatives from public bodies attended the event including Easyjet, Luton Council, TUI, GM, British Airways, BT, BAA and Monarch which, together, employ more than 10,000 local employees. 

The attendees quizzed the shadow minister and debated issues on diverse topics including: the Conservative party’s attitude to air travel, regulation reform, the need for an integrated transport policy, the future of air passenger duty, carbon emissions trading, airport expansion strategy, freight transportation – and, of course, junction 10a of the M1.

This event was facilitated by Patrick Frederick who chairs the Conservative party’s business relations team and was hosted by Glyn Jones, Managing Director of London Luton Airport.

Mr Brazier said:

“This was my second visit to Luton within a year, and it is always a pleasure to engage in a lively dialogue with business and to increase the Conservative Party’s understanding of the policy concerns of British businesses.”

Local business leaders were all very impressed with Mr Brazier’s understanding of aviation and his commitment to airports and the airlines which serve them. The large numbers of leading Conservative MPs visiting Luton in recent months – including David Cameron and Ken Clarke - shows just how important Luton is as a town which exemplifies this country’s economic challenges.

Meetings like this are very important.  It is vital that the next government has an intimate understanding of what makes business tick, and can facilitate the creation of jobs and economic growth.  The aviation and transport sectors will play a key part in the future growth of the UK and Luton plays a vital role in these industries.”

The accompanying picture includes (from left to right) of Nigel Huddleston, Jeremy Brier, John Glyn, Julian Brazier MP, and Patrick Frederick.