BCC: Stansted must expand

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has given its support to plans to expand Stansted Airport.

As airport operator BAA submitted its formal application to build a second runway at Stansted, the business group said that the proposals must be given "swift approval".

David Frost, director general of the BCC, said that expansion at Stansted is particularly important considering Britain's current economic climate.

"With the UK economy now facing a slowdown, it could not be more crucial that the country's third busiest airport is permitted to expand," he said.

"We cannot simply shut up shop and allow our European competitors to benefit."

Mr Frost described the plans to develop Stansted as a "major infrastructure project" and said it was "critical" that the improvements are delivered swiftly.

Stansted Airport handled some 1.6 million passengers in December 2007 and more than 23.7 million people throughout the whole of last year.