I have been working to promote Newquay’s bid to be the site of the UK’s Spaceport.
In my opinion Newquay is in a very strong position, it boasts the fifth biggest runway in the UK and offers the Space industry room to grow in the Aerohub Enterprise Zone. I believe a Spaceport in Cornwall will be a game changer to the local economy. It will attract a whole host of technical jobs and tourists from across the globe at a level we do not currently experience.
Newquay’s runway is perfect for the job, being able to accommodate fast and large civilian and military planes and of course, it’s already home to the Aerohub and Cornwall Airport at Newquay.
In December I asked the Prime Minister during his Question Time about the timing of the decision on the location of the spaceport and asked for his backing for Newquay’s case.
As a strong supporter of Newquay’s airport, he was able to recognise the opportunity to provide a hub of business in Cornwall at this base and the ability for the UK to become the hub for space flight, which in turn will attract fantastic investment and create jobs.
With exciting developments in the 2016 Queen’s Speech paving the way for the spaceport, I am continuing to work hard in Westminster to fight for Newquay’s case. That said, if Newquay is granted this status, it will have to go through the due process of planning and residents will be consulted as some have noise and environmental concerns they wish to see addressed.