Airport - Now is the time to get serious

Another day, another report. Sometimes, I do wonder why we get so excited.

However, today is a day to be excited, but only if we, as a city are prepared to take ourselves seriously. Only if we are serious about being a Global City and an European Capital.

What is it that has excited me so? Yes, the recent report from the Campaign for Better Transport suggesting that Birmingham may have to abandon its plans for a runway extension.

I enthusiastically welcome their report as an important part of this ongoing debate, even though I disagree with their conclusion.

This report however is a very useful tool for Birmingham to ensure that our runway extension does happen, a useful lightning rod to mobilise vocal support.

Already the front page of The Birmingham Post has sent a shockwave of excitement across the city's business community. Everyone was talking about it today, and everyone was in favour of the runway. So we know what we think. That is the easy part.

Now let's get busy.

Firstly, we must speak, immediately and with conviction. Decisionmakers in London must be in no doubt that Birmingham is united in its demand for this runway.

Paul Kehoe has already taken the first step, the business community must unite with him and the Airport. We have previously worked in a compromising and consultative capacity on issues such as the Transport Innovation Fund/Road Pricing. Now is the time to be firm and definite.

We will have a runway, no compromise.

Secondly, the business community must immediately call upon the Secretary of State to travel to Bimingham to reinforce the government's commitment and support.

We have been given an ideal opportunity to cement the support of the government and the city, let us not waste it.