TRANSPORT LINKS TO LEEDS-BRADFORD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

That this House notes that the planned expansion to Leeds-Bradford International Airport (LBIA) is anticipated to lead to an increase in passenger numbers; further notes that Ryanair's decision to increase operations at the airport could increase passenger numbers by 250,000 per year and create 1,000 additional jobs; expresses concern that following this expansion LBIA will remain a sizeable commercial airport that can only be accessed by single carriageway roads; recognises that the 100 million revenue that is generated in the local area each year by the airport is of significant value to the region; considers a rail link between Leeds and LBIA, and in the surrounding area, to be a necessary and overdue investment; further recognises that current financial constraints may delay this investment; and nonetheless calls on the Government to recognise the necessity of improved transport infrastructure in the area and provide support for the project as the financial situation improves within the next 10 years.