CONOR McGinn, MP for St Helens North, has backed a plan for a new Heathrow runway after a host of local and regional organisations highlighted the benefits for the North West.

Mr McGinn, who has consistently called for increased funding and better transport infrastructure for the North, has joined dozens of Northern Labour MPs to make it clear to the Government that his support is dependent on a commitment to continuing and enhancing plans for rail and road projects in the North West that will better connect our towns and cities.

St Helens Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, Unite the Union and Liverpool John Lennon Airport have all united in support of Heathrow expansion, the MP said.

It is claimed the new runway will create up to 180,000 jobs across the country – with thousands set to be added in the North West.

MPs last night backed plans to build the runway at London's Heathrow airport. The government won a key vote in the Commons by 415 votes to 119 – a majority of 296.

Mr McGinn said Heathrow is currently operating at 98 per cent capacity, denying regional airports like Liverpool a direct link, which is damaging inward investment across the Liverpool City Region.

Mr McGinn said he had listened to businesses and workers in St Helens and across the North West, who pointed to the benefits of additional links to Heathrow.

Mr McGinn said: “Businesses in St Helens, companies across the North West and national trade unions tell me a third runway at Heathrow will be good for workers, good for jobs and good for economic growth in our region.

“I’ve been clear that Heathrow expansion must be matched by a renewed commitment to fund transport infrastructure that builds road and rail connectivity across the North.

“My constituency is served by two airports – Liverpool John Lennon and the nation’s second international hub airport at Manchester – both of which stand to gain from additional capacity at Heathrow.

“The Liverpool City Region does not currently have a hub airport link, but a new runway at Heathrow provides an opportunity to create new routes, boosting jobs and growth across Merseyside.

“Manchester Airport is making a significant investment in expanding its facilities and that should be matched by strategic Government support to ensure that the capacity offered by its two runways is fully utilised, including for new international routes."

The Labour Party held a free vote on the question of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, meaning Labour MPs are entitled to vote according to their own views.

Mr McGinn said: “I’ll join dozens of Northern Labour MPs in supporting the decision, which was initially made by the last Labour Government, to build a new runway at Heathrow as an important investment in our national and regional economies.”