03/03/2013 Sunday Politics North West

I'm Arif Ansari - coming up in the I'm Arif Ansari - coming up in the

North West: Blue-sky thinking or North West: Blue-sky thinking or

heading for turbulence? heading for turbulence?

heading for turbulence? heading for turbulence?

How taxpayers here stand to win - or How taxpayers here stand to win - or

How taxpayers here stand to win - or How taxpayers here stand to win - or

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 2200 seconds

lose - from the takeover of Stansted North West: Blues go thinking or

North West: Blues go thinking or North West: Blues go thinking or

heading for problems? How taxpayers heading for problems? How taxpayers

heading for problems? How taxpayers heading for problems? How taxpayers

here stand to win or lose from the here stand to win or lose from the

takeover of Stansted Airport. takeover of Stansted Airport.

takeover of Stansted Airport. Manchester Airports Group may have a

Manchester Airports Group may have a Manchester Airports Group may have a

Manchester Airports Group may have a very big stake in a very important

very big stake in a very important piece of strategic national

piece of strategic national infrastructure. Preparing for

infrastructure. Preparing for infrastructure. Preparing for

takeoff with me as Louise Ellman, takeoff with me as Louise Ellman,

takeoff with me as Louise Ellman, the Labour MP for Liverpool

the Labour MP for Liverpool the Labour MP for Liverpool

Riverside and the Conservative Euro Riverside and the Conservative Euro

Riverside and the Conservative Euro MP Sajjad Karim, representing the

MP Sajjad Karim, representing the MP Sajjad Karim, representing the

MP Sajjad Karim, representing the North West. Welcome. It has been a

North West. Welcome. It has been a North West. Welcome. It has been a

North West. Welcome. It has been a big week with the bi- in Eastleigh.

big week with the bi- in Eastleigh. big week with the bi- in Eastleigh.

Sajjad, you must be disappointed Sajjad, you must be disappointed

Sajjad, you must be disappointed because the Conservatives managed to

because the Conservatives managed to because the Conservatives managed to

because the Conservatives managed to come third in a two horse race.

come third in a two horse race. come third in a two horse race.

come third in a two horse race. it is a mid-term protest vote quite

it is a mid-term protest vote quite it is a mid-term protest vote quite

clearly that has taken place. UKIP clearly that has taken place. UKIP

clearly that has taken place. UKIP have moved into second place based

have moved into second place based have moved into second place based

have moved into second place based on people 's feelings and are really

on people 's feelings and are really on people 's feelings and are really

as an antipolitics protest that has as an antipolitics protest that has

as an antipolitics protest that has as an antipolitics protest that has

taken place. The Lib Dems won. They taken place. The Lib Dems won. They

taken place. The Lib Dems won. They taken place. The Lib Dems won. They

held onto the seat. At the start of held onto the seat. At the start of

held onto the seat. At the start of the campaign the Conservatives were

the campaign the Conservatives were the campaign the Conservatives were

the campaign the Conservatives were in the lead in the opinion polls.

in the lead in the opinion polls. in the lead in the opinion polls.

in the lead in the opinion polls. You have not only managed to come

You have not only managed to come You have not only managed to come

second, but actually third. That is second, but actually third. That is

second, but actually third. That is second, but actually third. That is

a big problem for your party. a big problem for your party.

a big problem for your party. post-poll polling that we have

post-poll polling that we have post-poll polling that we have

available to us clearly shows that available to us clearly shows that

available to us clearly shows that had this been a general election,

had this been a general election, people would have voted

people would have voted people would have voted

Conservative, so the protest issue Conservative, so the protest issue

Conservative, so the protest issue Conservative, so the protest issue

is there. We know what has actually is there. We know what has actually

is there. We know what has actually is there. We know what has actually

happened in the election and it is a happened in the election and it is a

happened in the election and it is a real calamity for the Conservative

real calamity for the Conservative real calamity for the Conservative

party. This is a conservative Lib party. This is a conservative Lib

party. This is a conservative Lib Dem marginal and the Conservatives

Dem marginal and the Conservatives Dem marginal and the Conservatives

Dem marginal and the Conservatives should have won it. The good news

should have won it. The good news should have won it. The good news

should have won it. The good news for the Lib Dems is that it has

for the Lib Dems is that it has for the Lib Dems is that it has

proven they are more resilient than proven they are more resilient than

proven they are more resilient than proven they are more resilient than

some believed they were. They had a some believed they were. They had a

stronghold in Eastleigh, the stronghold in Eastleigh, the

stronghold in Eastleigh, the Conservatives could not one but the

Conservatives could not one but the Conservatives could not one but the

Conservatives could not one but the rise of UKIP in that election will

rise of UKIP in that election will rise of UKIP in that election will

cause more problems for the cause more problems for the

Conservative party and divisions Conservative party and divisions

Conservative party and divisions within that party, particularly in

within that party, particularly in within that party, particularly in

within that party, particularly in relation to Europe. And no sign of

relation to Europe. And no sign of relation to Europe. And no sign of

the Labour recovery? They were never the Labour recovery? They were never

the Labour recovery? They were never the Labour recovery? They were never

in that by-election. It was always a in that by-election. It was always a

in that by-election. It was always a in that by-election. It was always a

race between the Tories and the Lib race between the Tories and the Lib

race between the Tories and the Lib race between the Tories and the Lib

Dems, but it turned out to be Dems, but it turned out to be

Dems, but it turned out to be Dems, but it turned out to be

between the Lib Dems and UKIP. between the Lib Dems and UKIP.

between the Lib Dems and UKIP. have never been allowed to look

have never been allowed to look have never been allowed to look

inside Shell's research centre near inside Shell's research centre near

inside Shell's research centre near Ellesmere Port until now. That is

Ellesmere Port until now. That is Ellesmere Port until now. That is

because Shell is moving out handing because Shell is moving out handing

because Shell is moving out handing over its technology Centre to

over its technology Centre to Chester University and science

Chester University and science Chester University and science

Chester University and science students. We will be talking to the

students. We will be talking to the Universities and Science Minister

Universities and Science Minister David Willetts shortly.

David Willetts shortly. David Willetts shortly.

Racing ahead of the competition, Racing ahead of the competition,

Racing ahead of the competition, fuel for Ferrari's Formula one team

fuel for Ferrari's Formula one team fuel for Ferrari's Formula one team

fuel for Ferrari's Formula one team is developed on the site. Now the

is developed on the site. Now the is developed on the site. Now the

is developed on the site. Now the is developed on the site. Now the

centre is going to be home to a new centre is going to be home to a new

centre is going to be home to a new generation of scientists. If we want

generation of scientists. If we want generation of scientists. If we want

generation of scientists. If we want to set up the facilities which are

to set up the facilities which are to set up the facilities which are

being offered, it would cost being offered, it would cost

being offered, it would cost hundreds of millions of pounds.

hundreds of millions of pounds. hundreds of millions of pounds.

is hoped local car manufacturers is hoped local car manufacturers

is hoped local car manufacturers like Bentley, and Vauxhall will

like Bentley, and Vauxhall will like Bentley, and Vauxhall will

benefit. They have an opportunity to benefit. They have an opportunity to

benefit. They have an opportunity to do something special. They can work

do something special. They can work alongside special organisations and

alongside special organisations and alongside special organisations and

make the north-west of England a make the north-west of England a

make the north-west of England a place to invest in for

place to invest in for place to invest in for

manufacturing. But after 75 years, manufacturing. But after 75 years,

manufacturing. But after 75 years, Shell is leaving Cheshire.

Shell is leaving Cheshire. Shell is leaving Cheshire.

Shell is leaving Cheshire. million have been spent on the war

million have been spent on the war million have been spent on the war

million have been spent on the war on a new petroleum site. Around 300

on a new petroleum site. Around 300 on a new petroleum site. Around 300

MPs are being located, some abroad. MPs are being located, some abroad.

MPs are being located, some abroad. MPs are being located, some abroad.

The government was on hand as the The government was on hand as the

The government was on hand as the centre was handed over. Last month

centre was handed over. Last month centre was handed over. Last month

the government invested �30 million the government invested �30 million

the government invested �30 million at this innovation compass. This

at this innovation compass. This at this innovation compass. This

latest deal further boost the future latest deal further boost the future

of scientific research and of scientific research and

of scientific research and development in the region. Hopefully

development in the region. Hopefully development in the region. Hopefully

development in the region. Hopefully this is the beginning of a sustained

this is the beginning of a sustained this is the beginning of a sustained

period of increased investment. But period of increased investment. But

period of increased investment. But period of increased investment. But

beyond that for the whole of the beyond that for the whole of the

beyond that for the whole of the industry that the chemical area

industry that the chemical area industry that the chemical area

serves. This area may now feel serves. This area may now feel

serves. This area may now feel reassured. The new centre opens over

reassured. The new centre opens over the next 18 months.

the next 18 months. the next 18 months.

After the announcement I spoke to After the announcement I spoke to

After the announcement I spoke to David Willetts, the Minister for

David Willetts, the Minister for David Willetts, the Minister for

Universities and Science and asked Universities and Science and asked

Universities and Science and asked Universities and Science and asked

him what is the importance of the him what is the importance of the

him what is the importance of the deal. The nightmare scenario would

deal. The nightmare scenario would deal. The nightmare scenario would

deal. The nightmare scenario would have been that this place would have

have been that this place would have have been that this place would have

been lost to the north-west, instead been lost to the north-west, instead

been lost to the north-west, instead the University of Chester has

the University of Chester has the University of Chester has

stepped in, backed with government stepped in, backed with government

stepped in, backed with government stepped in, backed with government

money, and they are going to run it money, and they are going to run it

money, and they are going to run it money, and they are going to run it

and it will be a facility for them and it will be a facility for them

and it will be a facility for them and it will be a facility for them

as they expand their sciences and it as they expand their sciences and it

as they expand their sciences and it will have small companies across the

will have small companies across the will have small companies across the

north-west able to locate here. It north-west able to locate here. It

north-west able to locate here. It will be a research facility that

will be a research facility that will be a research facility that

other companies can turn to for other companies can turn to for

other companies can turn to for particular projects. It will be a

particular projects. It will be a particular projects. It will be a

place for open innovation that will place for open innovation that will

place for open innovation that will contribute to the economy of the

contribute to the economy of the contribute to the economy of the

north-west. Is it not worrying north-west. Is it not worrying

north-west. Is it not worrying however, that Shell wanted to leave

however, that Shell wanted to leave however, that Shell wanted to leave

this research site in the first this research site in the first

this research site in the first this research site in the first

place? Obviously it is a centre that place? Obviously it is a centre that

place? Obviously it is a centre that will be charming scientist out and

will be charming scientist out and will be charming scientist out and

will be charming scientist out and will be charming scientist out and

they need jobs to go to. There is a they need jobs to go to. There is a

they need jobs to go to. There is a big change happening around the

big change happening around the world. Increasingly large companies

world. Increasingly large companies world. Increasingly large companies

want fewer big research and want fewer big research and

development facilities and house. development facilities and house.

development facilities and house. development facilities and house.

They are instead looking to a more They are instead looking to a more

They are instead looking to a more They are instead looking to a more

open system. This is the future and open system. This is the future and

open system. This is the future and open system. This is the future and

there are going to be many people there are going to be many people

there are going to be many people working here and the University of

working here and the University of working here and the University of

Chester will not just be training Chester will not just be training

Chester will not just be training Chester will not just be training

the students, I am sure there will the students, I am sure there will

the students, I am sure there will be companies based here with a

be companies based here with a long-term employment prospect for

long-term employment prospect for long-term employment prospect for

graduates of the University of graduates of the University of

graduates of the University of Chester and elsewhere. So we should

Chester and elsewhere. So we should Chester and elsewhere. So we should

Chester and elsewhere. So we should -- so we should not be worried that

-- so we should not be worried that -- so we should not be worried that

Shell is relocating? We must accept Shell is relocating? We must accept

Shell is relocating? We must accept that big companies change their

that big companies change their that big companies change their

plans. Big companies are often plans. Big companies are often

plans. Big companies are often moving away from having largely

moving away from having largely moving away from having largely

search facilities. We will not stop search facilities. We will not stop

search facilities. We will not stop search facilities. We will not stop

that. What he can do is be that. What he can do is be

that. What he can do is be imaginative and ensure that the

imaginative and ensure that the imaginative and ensure that the

imaginative and ensure that the future is as good as the past, that

future is as good as the past, that future is as good as the past, that

future is as good as the past, that is what we are doing. If this kind

is what we are doing. If this kind is what we are doing. If this kind

is what we are doing. If this kind of centre is as important as you

of centre is as important as you of centre is as important as you

have described, should we not be have described, should we not be

have described, should we not be have described, should we not be

building it ourselves as part of the building it ourselves as part of the

building it ourselves as part of the government, as opposed to waiting

government, as opposed to waiting government, as opposed to waiting

for companies like Shell to provide for companies like Shell to provide

for companies like Shell to provide through their own generosity?

through their own generosity? through their own generosity?

through their own generosity? is a role for government and what we

is a role for government and what we is a role for government and what we

is a role for government and what we have announced in the last year is a

have announced in the last year is a have announced in the last year is a

have announced in the last year is a funding scheme in which we put some

funding scheme in which we put some funding scheme in which we put some

money and for new research and money and for new research and

development facilities on university development facilities on university

development facilities on university campuses, but the universities have

campuses, but the universities have campuses, but the universities have

to find commercial partners who to find commercial partners who

to find commercial partners who to find commercial partners who

invest twice as much and we have invest twice as much and we have

invest twice as much and we have invest twice as much and we have

already got �1 billion of new art already got �1 billion of new art

already got �1 billion of new art and the research facilities climb up

and the research facilities climb up and the research facilities climb up

and the research facilities climb up and down the country and that one

and down the country and that one and down the country and that one

single scheme. We do need government single scheme. We do need government

support to universities working support to universities working

support to universities working alongside business and instead of

alongside business and instead of alongside business and instead of

having the kind of academics in having the kind of academics in

having the kind of academics in their ivory towers detached from

their ivory towers detached from commercial reality, we see

commercial reality, we see university and business working

university and business working university and business working

together on a high-tech project and together on a high-tech project and

together on a high-tech project and together on a high-tech project and

projects in the future. That is what projects in the future. That is what

projects in the future. That is what projects in the future. That is what

we are seeing here and across the we are seeing here and across the

country. Thank you, David. country. Thank you, David.

country. Thank you, David. Obviously this is great for Chester

Obviously this is great for Chester Obviously this is great for Chester

University, but as David Willetts University, but as David Willetts

University, but as David Willetts correct that this is entirely good

correct that this is entirely good correct that this is entirely good

correct that this is entirely good news, or should we be concerned that

news, or should we be concerned that news, or should we be concerned that

news, or should we be concerned that Shell has moved out and the first

Shell has moved out and the first Shell has moved out and the first

Shell has moved out and the first place? We have to be concerned when

place? We have to be concerned when place? We have to be concerned when

major companies to move out, but major companies to move out, but

developing that link between developing that link between

science, the universities and science, the universities and

science, the universities and business is absolutely essential for

business is absolutely essential for business is absolutely essential for

the north-west and then they passed the north-west and then they passed

the Northwest development agency the Northwest development agency

the Northwest development agency work to develop another local campus

work to develop another local campus work to develop another local campus

work to develop another local campus and we do not have that agency now

and we do not have that agency now and we do not have that agency now

and we do not have that agency now and it is important that there are

and it is important that there are and it is important that there are

mines and much these scientific mines and much these scientific

mines and much these scientific benefits to the city can be

benefits to the city can be benefits to the city can be

translated. That these will insure a translated. That these will insure a

translated. That these will insure a prosperous future for us. It is

prosperous future for us. It is prosperous future for us. It is

happening more now and we are happening more now and we are

happening more now and we are starting to see improvements. So

starting to see improvements. So starting to see improvements. So

much research has concentrated on much research has concentrated on

much research has concentrated on London, Cambridge and Oxford and we

London, Cambridge and Oxford and we London, Cambridge and Oxford and we

London, Cambridge and Oxford and we must develop what we have here and

must develop what we have here and must develop what we have here and

must develop what we have here and this region. It is our strength but

this region. It is our strength but this region. It is our strength but

this region. It is our strength but we must build on it and make sure

we must build on it and make sure we must build on it and make sure

we must build on it and make sure that we do not lose these expertise.

that we do not lose these expertise. that we do not lose these expertise.

that we do not lose these expertise. Do you think the government is doing

Do you think the government is doing Do you think the government is doing

Do you think the government is doing all it can to make those kind of

all it can to make those kind of all it can to make those kind of

changes that Louise refers to? changes that Louise refers to?

changes that Louise refers to? have a clear demonstration here of

have a clear demonstration here of have a clear demonstration here of

the government working closely, both the government working closely, both

the government working closely, both with industry and our education

with industry and our education with industry and our education

with industry and our education sector. In the north-west one of the

sector. In the north-west one of the sector. In the north-west one of the

biggest pool factors that we have biggest pool factors that we have

biggest pool factors that we have biggest pool factors that we have

for people wanting to come and carry for people wanting to come and carry

for people wanting to come and carry out business activities as the bees

out business activities as the bees search and development facilities

search and development facilities search and development facilities

that are available is. Our that are available is. Our

that are available is. Our universities have played a huge role

universities have played a huge role universities have played a huge role

in developing that and the in developing that and the

north-west. What Chester University north-west. What Chester University

north-west. What Chester University north-west. What Chester University

has done here really is a huge step has done here really is a huge step

has done here really is a huge step has done here really is a huge step

forward. We will never be in a forward. We will never be in a

forward. We will never be in a forward. We will never be in a

position where we can simply say we position where we can simply say we

position where we can simply say we position where we can simply say we

will stop the likes of Shell moving will stop the likes of Shell moving

will stop the likes of Shell moving in accordance with global partners.

in accordance with global partners. in accordance with global partners.

in accordance with global partners. What we must do is that when a

What we must do is that when a What we must do is that when a

company does make that decision, we company does make that decision, we

company does make that decision, we react and bring together all the

react and bring together all the react and bring together all the

partners involved to deliver the partners involved to deliver the

partners involved to deliver the services that we need. Surely we

services that we need. Surely we services that we need. Surely we

services that we need. Surely we should be in a position where they

should be in a position where they should be in a position where they

want to stay and believe that want to stay and believe that

want to stay and believe that Britain is ready should be based?

Britain is ready should be based? Britain is ready should be based?

Britain is ready should be based? Britain is ready should be based?

The point I make you is this, one of The point I make you is this, one of

The point I make you is this, one of the most prominent questions at the

the most prominent questions at the the most prominent questions at the

forefront at the means of businesses forefront at the means of businesses

forefront at the means of businesses forefront at the means of businesses

who want to find a new location to who want to find a new location to

who want to find a new location to establish themselves, when I go out

establish themselves, when I go out establish themselves, when I go out

and I meet with companies and I meet with companies

and I meet with companies internationally and try to sell the

internationally and try to sell the internationally and try to sell the

north-west to them, invariably one north-west to them, invariably one

north-west to them, invariably one north-west to them, invariably one

of the questions they had for me as, of the questions they had for me as,

of the questions they had for me as, " what are universities like? What

" what are universities like? What " what are universities like? What

sort of the search and development sort of the search and development

sort of the search and development sort of the search and development

while we have? " Today I have while we have? " Today I have

while we have? " Today I have while we have? " Today I have

another facility that I can put to another facility that I can put to

another facility that I can put to them that is a massive selling

them that is a massive selling them that is a massive selling

them that is a massive selling point. It is important to have those

point. It is important to have those point. It is important to have those

facilities. And Liverpool we have facilities. And Liverpool we have

facilities. And Liverpool we have the science and innovation Park.

the science and innovation Park. the science and innovation Park.

That expertise and knowledge has to That expertise and knowledge has to

be translated into employment be translated into employment

be translated into employment opportunities. That means we have to

opportunities. That means we have to opportunities. That means we have to

have the correct sort of finance have the correct sort of finance

have the correct sort of finance available to set up and develop

available to set up and develop available to set up and develop

businesses and the correct premises businesses and the correct premises

businesses and the correct premises businesses and the correct premises

on which they can operate. Part of on which they can operate. Part of

on which they can operate. Part of on which they can operate. Part of

this is about developing a way in this is about developing a way in

this is about developing a way in which developing companies can move

which developing companies can move which developing companies can move

which developing companies can move into and grow. I am sorry that we

into and grow. I am sorry that we into and grow. I am sorry that we

into and grow. I am sorry that we have let people down in the past. We

have let people down in the past. We have let people down in the past. We

must find new ways of supporting must find new ways of supporting

must find new ways of supporting innovation and businesses with the

innovation and businesses with the innovation and businesses with the

correct kind of premises and finance.

finance. finance.

finance. Many of us may have jetted off on

Many of us may have jetted off on Many of us may have jetted off on

holiday from some point from holiday from some point from

holiday from some point from Manchester Airport. Did you know who

Manchester Airport. Did you know who Manchester Airport. Did you know who

Manchester Airport. Did you know who owns it? It is the ten councils of

owns it? It is the ten councils of owns it? It is the ten councils of

Greater Manchester. This week they Greater Manchester. This week they

Greater Manchester. This week they greatly expanded by completing the

greatly expanded by completing the greatly expanded by completing the

purchase of Stansted Airport in purchase of Stansted Airport in

purchase of Stansted Airport in purchase of Stansted Airport in

Essex. Let us take a closer look at Essex. Let us take a closer look at

this unique business. Manchester this unique business. Manchester

this unique business. Manchester Airports Group owns four. The latest

Airports Group owns four. The latest Airports Group owns four. The latest

deal cost �1.5 billion, funded by deal cost �1.5 billion, funded by

deal cost �1.5 billion, funded by deal cost �1.5 billion, funded by

selling one third of the group to selling one third of the group to

selling one third of the group to global investment company IFM. It

global investment company IFM. It global investment company IFM. It

global investment company IFM. It means the group is now split tween

means the group is now split tween means the group is now split tween

IFM, Manchester City Council and the IFM, Manchester City Council and the

other Greater Manchester councils. other Greater Manchester councils.

other Greater Manchester councils. Elaine Dunkley has been finding out

Elaine Dunkley has been finding out Elaine Dunkley has been finding out

Elaine Dunkley has been finding out what the deal means for people in

the north-west. the north-west.

the north-west. It is an international airport,

It is an international airport, It is an international airport,

owned by local councils. 19 million owned by local councils. 19 million

owned by local councils. 19 million passengers pass through these gates

passengers pass through these gates passengers pass through these gates

every year. Millions of pounds goes every year. Millions of pounds goes

every year. Millions of pounds goes into council budgets. Clearly one of

into council budgets. Clearly one of into council budgets. Clearly one of

the objectives of owning the airport the objectives of owning the airport

the objectives of owning the airport the objectives of owning the airport

is the boost to the economy. is the boost to the economy.

is the boost to the economy. Manchester Airports Group is the

Manchester Airports Group is the Manchester Airports Group is the

largest UK owned operator and will largest UK owned operator and will

largest UK owned operator and will largest UK owned operator and will

it is take off here, it is takeovers it is take off here, it is takeovers

it is take off here, it is takeovers elsewhere with the purchase of

elsewhere with the purchase of Stansted. Currently with Manchester

Stansted. Currently with Manchester Stansted. Currently with Manchester

Airports Group it makes the annual Airports Group it makes the annual

Airports Group it makes the annual return for council taxpayers around

return for council taxpayers around return for council taxpayers around

�15 million a year across Greater �15 million a year across Greater

�15 million a year across Greater Manchester. With the purchase of

Manchester. With the purchase of Manchester. With the purchase of

Stansted Airport, we should be able Stansted Airport, we should be able

Stansted Airport, we should be able Stansted Airport, we should be able

to double that. That is a return for to double that. That is a return for

to double that. That is a return for the ten councils that will go

the ten councils that will go the ten councils that will go

straight back into council services. straight back into council services.

The Manchester Airports Group The Manchester Airports Group

The Manchester Airports Group already owns East Midlands and

already owns East Midlands and already owns East Midlands and

Bournemouth airport and has bought Bournemouth airport and has bought

Stansted for �1.5 billion. Stansted for �1.5 billion.

Stansted for �1.5 billion. Manchester City Council raise the

Manchester City Council raise the Manchester City Council raise the

Manchester City Council raise the money for the deal by selling some

money for the deal by selling some money for the deal by selling some

of its shares to an Australian of its shares to an Australian

of its shares to an Australian company. Was it money well spent?

company. Was it money well spent? company. Was it money well spent?

There is obviously enormous demand There is obviously enormous demand

There is obviously enormous demand for airport capacity in the

for airport capacity in the south-east of England. Heathrow

south-east of England. Heathrow south-east of England. Heathrow

south-east of England. Heathrow Airport is full and we are waiting

Airport is full and we are waiting Airport is full and we are waiting

Airport is full and we are waiting on the Davis Commission in terms of

on the Davis Commission in terms of on the Davis Commission in terms of

its ruling on a major international its ruling on a major international

its ruling on a major international its ruling on a major international

hub airport. If it turns out that hub airport. If it turns out that

hub airport. If it turns out that that report recommends the expansion

that report recommends the expansion that report recommends the expansion

of Stansted, the Manchester Airports of Stansted, the Manchester Airports

of Stansted, the Manchester Airports of Stansted, the Manchester Airports

Group may have a big stake in an Group may have a big stake in an

important piece of strategic important piece of strategic

national infrastructure. Stansted is national infrastructure. Stansted is

national infrastructure. Stansted is currently the fourth busiest airport

currently the fourth busiest airport currently the fourth busiest airport

in the UK. The Manchester Airports in the UK. The Manchester Airports

in the UK. The Manchester Airports in the UK. The Manchester Airports

Group now owns 19% of the UK Group now owns 19% of the UK

Group now owns 19% of the UK Group now owns 19% of the UK

aviation market. It insists it is in aviation market. It insists it is in

aviation market. It insists it is in aviation market. It insists it is in

it for the long haul. Others feel it for the long haul. Others feel

it for the long haul. Others feel it for the long haul. Others feel

the time could come to sell up and the time could come to sell up and

the time could come to sell up and depart. I think several years ago,

depart. I think several years ago, depart. I think several years ago,

Manchester Airports Group, had they Manchester Airports Group, had they

Manchester Airports Group, had they been prepared to sell them, they

been prepared to sell them, they been prepared to sell them, they

been prepared to sell them, they could have raised as much as the

could have raised as much as the could have raised as much as the

could have raised as much as the million pounds from that. There is a

million pounds from that. There is a million pounds from that. There is a

million pounds from that. There is a decline now but if they keep back up

decline now but if they keep back up decline now but if they keep back up

again, they could still make upwards again, they could still make upwards

again, they could still make upwards of �2 million. The plans for

of �2 million. The plans for Stansted include more flights,

Stansted include more flights, Stansted include more flights,

retail and passengers to generate retail and passengers to generate

retail and passengers to generate money. There is concern that the

money. There is concern that the council's environmental targets

council's environmental targets council's environmental targets

could come crashing down. Manchester could come crashing down. Manchester

could come crashing down. Manchester City Council has strong Climate

City Council has strong Climate Change Committee's. The council

Change Committee's. The council Change Committee's. The council

cannot expand the airport and meet cannot expand the airport and meet

cannot expand the airport and meet cannot expand the airport and meet

its own commitments or the UK is its own commitments or the UK is

its own commitments or the UK is commitments on climate change.

commitments on climate change. commitments on climate change.

area is good to be destroyed area is good to be destroyed

area is good to be destroyed effectively. The community is under

effectively. The community is under effectively. The community is under

threat from the expansion of the threat from the expansion of the

threat from the expansion of the airport. This is Breeze Cottage and

airport. This is Breeze Cottage and airport. This is Breeze Cottage and

Altrincham. It will soon be Altrincham. It will soon be

Altrincham. It will soon be Altrincham. It will soon be

flattened to make way for a new low flattened to make way for a new low

flattened to make way for a new low flattened to make way for a new low

that a road linking a logistics hub that a road linking a logistics hub

that a road linking a logistics hub to Manchester Airport. And a matter

to Manchester Airport. And a matter to Manchester Airport. And a matter

of weeks, Peter Johnson, who has of weeks, Peter Johnson, who has

of weeks, Peter Johnson, who has of weeks, Peter Johnson, who has

lived here for 20 years, says he lived here for 20 years, says he

lived here for 20 years, says he lived here for 20 years, says he

will be homeless and feels there has will be homeless and feels there has

will be homeless and feels there has will be homeless and feels there has

been a conflict of interest. I feel been a conflict of interest. I feel

been a conflict of interest. I feel in this case, especially with

in this case, especially with in this case, especially with

Manchester Airport being owned by Manchester Airport being owned by

Manchester Airport being owned by Manchester Airport being owned by

the council, it is a very incestuous the council, it is a very incestuous

the council, it is a very incestuous relationship that the planning and

relationship that the planning and relationship that the planning and

relationship that the planning and the people on the board, who have

the people on the board, who have the people on the board, who have

the majority shareholding have a the majority shareholding have a

the majority shareholding have a the majority shareholding have a

greater say in what happens to the greater say in what happens to the

greater say in what happens to the greater say in what happens to the

airport. It does define the laws of airport. It does define the laws of

airport. It does define the laws of justice. Manchester Council says it

justice. Manchester Council says it justice. Manchester Council says it

justice. Manchester Council says it does have a local issues at heart,

does have a local issues at heart, does have a local issues at heart,

but in the world of growth, but in the world of growth,

expansion and private enterprise, expansion and private enterprise,

turbulent times lie ahead. turbulent times lie ahead.

turbulent times lie ahead. turbulent times lie ahead.

We are joined from London now by We are joined from London now by

We are joined from London now by Simon Calder, the travel editor of

Simon Calder, the travel editor of Simon Calder, the travel editor of

the Independent newspaper. Great to the Independent newspaper. Great to

the Independent newspaper. Great to the Independent newspaper. Great to

have you with us. Some people will have you with us. Some people will

have you with us. Some people will find it pretty extraordinary that

find it pretty extraordinary that find it pretty extraordinary that

not only to local authority owned not only to local authority owned

not only to local authority owned airports, they are buying them as

airports, they are buying them as airports, they are buying them as

well as. I absolutely agree. well as. I absolutely agree.

well as. I absolutely agree. Manchester Airports Group is pretty

Manchester Airports Group is pretty Manchester Airports Group is pretty

Manchester Airports Group is pretty unique in terms of its ownership of

unique in terms of its ownership of unique in terms of its ownership of

airports. You have, for example, an airports. You have, for example, an

airports. You have, for example, an organisation such as our ATP, the

organisation such as our ATP, the Parisian public transport

Parisian public transport Parisian public transport

organisation running some of the organisation running some of the

organisation running some of the organisation running some of the

buses here in London, but for a buses here in London, but for a

buses here in London, but for a buses here in London, but for a

group of local councils to enter the group of local councils to enter the

group of local councils to enter the group of local councils to enter the

big league, to buy their own airport big league, to buy their own airport

big league, to buy their own airport big league, to buy their own airport

in the world 's aviation hub, which in the world 's aviation hub, which

in the world 's aviation hub, which in the world 's aviation hub, which

as London, is a remarkable change of as London, is a remarkable change of

as London, is a remarkable change of as London, is a remarkable change of

events. It is a very bold decision events. It is a very bold decision

events. It is a very bold decision events. It is a very bold decision

and I must say, from the point of and I must say, from the point of

and I must say, from the point of and I must say, from the point of

view of all us passengers and the view of all us passengers and the

view of all us passengers and the south-east, we are thrilled at the

south-east, we are thrilled at the south-east, we are thrilled at the

idea of having at last proper idea of having at last proper

competition with Stansted against competition with Stansted against

competition with Stansted against Gatwick, up against Heathrow, thanks

Gatwick, up against Heathrow, thanks Gatwick, up against Heathrow, thanks

to you guys at Manchester Airport. to you guys at Manchester Airport.

to you guys at Manchester Airport. to you guys at Manchester Airport.

Thank you! It is going to be much Thank you! It is going to be much

Thank you! It is going to be much better for the experience for us.

better for the experience for us. better for the experience for us.

Don't mention it! Do you think Don't mention it! Do you think

Don't mention it! Do you think Don't mention it! Do you think

Stansted is a good deal for Greater Stansted is a good deal for Greater

Stansted is a good deal for Greater Manchester's taxpayers? I think the

Manchester's taxpayers? I think the Manchester's taxpayers? I think the

pricetag has been very high. Gatwick pricetag has been very high. Gatwick

pricetag has been very high. Gatwick pricetag has been very high. Gatwick

was sold a couple of years ago to was sold a couple of years ago to

global infrastructure partners. It global infrastructure partners. It

global infrastructure partners. It global infrastructure partners. It

was the first of one of the forced was the first of one of the forced

was the first of one of the forced sellers from BAE's monopoly in the

sellers from BAE's monopoly in the sellers from BAE's monopoly in the

area. That win for around �800 area. That win for around �800

million. Manchester has played million. Manchester has played

million. Manchester has played nearly twice as much for Stansted

nearly twice as much for Stansted nearly twice as much for Stansted

and Stansted is any much worse and Stansted is any much worse

and Stansted is any much worse position. It has around two thirds

position. It has around two thirds position. It has around two thirds

position. It has around two thirds of the traffic of Gatwick and has

of the traffic of Gatwick and has unfortunately been losing that

unfortunately been losing that unfortunately been losing that

unfortunately been losing that traffic year on year for the last

traffic year on year for the last traffic year on year for the last

five or six years. Manchester five or six years. Manchester

five or six years. Manchester five or six years. Manchester

Airports Group has its work cut out Airports Group has its work cut out

Airports Group has its work cut out and IFM, the investors that you

and IFM, the investors that you and IFM, the investors that you

and IFM, the investors that you mention, they will be looking to get

mention, they will be looking to get mention, they will be looking to get

their return quite quickly as well. their return quite quickly as well.

their return quite quickly as well. It will be very exciting. Clearly

It will be very exciting. Clearly It will be very exciting. Clearly

Manchester feels there is the Manchester feels there is the

Manchester feels there is the potential for serious growth at

potential for serious growth at Stansted. There is certainly

Stansted. There is certainly Stansted. There is certainly

potential because even without a potential because even without a

potential because even without a second runway, there is space to

second runway, there is space to basically doubled the passenger

basically doubled the passenger basically doubled the passenger

throughput and Manchester will be throughput and Manchester will be

throughput and Manchester will be doing a couple of things. Firstly,

doing a couple of things. Firstly, doing a couple of things. Firstly,

doing a couple of things. Firstly, trying to expand the gene pool of

trying to expand the gene pool of airlines. That is currently

airlines. That is currently airlines. That is currently

dominated by Ryanair who earlier dominated by Ryanair who earlier

dominated by Ryanair who earlier dominated by Ryanair who earlier

this week through their toys out of this week through their toys out of

this week through their toys out of this week through their toys out of

the pram and said they will cut the pram and said they will cut

the pram and said they will cut flights are seen as Manchester takes

flights are seen as Manchester takes flights are seen as Manchester takes

over. They need some more short over. They need some more short

over. They need some more short over. They need some more short

lines to Europe. They might want to lines to Europe. They might want to

lines to Europe. They might want to try to get the British airways

try to get the British airways involved. From Manchester United

involved. From Manchester United involved. From Manchester United

flight to anywhere you want to. flight to anywhere you want to.

flight to anywhere you want to. flight to anywhere you want to.

Simon, let me bring in the release. Simon, let me bring in the release.

Simon, let me bring in the release. You'd cheer the Commons transport

You'd cheer the Commons transport You'd cheer the Commons transport

committee. This is a slight gamble, committee. This is a slight gamble,

committee. This is a slight gamble, committee. This is a slight gamble,

isn't it? We do not know whether isn't it? We do not know whether

isn't it? We do not know whether Stansted will develop or not.

Stansted will develop or not. Manchester Airport has been

Manchester Airport has been Manchester Airport has been

successful. This is entering into successful. This is entering into

successful. This is entering into new fields and this is about

new fields and this is about national strategy, national and.

national strategy, national and. national strategy, national and.

national strategy, national and. There is a great debate at the

There is a great debate at the There is a great debate at the

moment about the importance of hub moment about the importance of hub

moment about the importance of hub capacity and how that should be

capacity and how that should be capacity and how that should be

dealt with and about developing dealt with and about developing

dealt with and about developing services for the region. There are

services for the region. There are services for the region. There are

great challenges their. Should they great challenges their. Should they

great challenges their. Should they great challenges their. Should they

be doing it or not? That is a be doing it or not? That is a

be doing it or not? That is a decision for the groups themselves.

decision for the groups themselves. decision for the groups themselves.

decision for the groups themselves. It is a commercial decision and the

It is a commercial decision and the It is a commercial decision and the

challenges about how to develop and challenges about how to develop and

challenges about how to develop and challenges about how to develop and

attract the airlines to come to the attract the airlines to come to the

attract the airlines to come to the attract the airlines to come to the

airport and that is to do with airport and that is to do with

airport and that is to do with airport and that is to do with

access to the airport, it is about access to the airport, it is about

access to the airport, it is about facilities. It is a challenge for

facilities. It is a challenge for facilities. It is a challenge for

facilities. It is a challenge for the group and they have taken a

the group and they have taken a the group and they have taken a

the group and they have taken a commercial decision to do it.

commercial decision to do it. commercial decision to do it.

agree with Graham Brady, the agree with Graham Brady, the

agree with Graham Brady, the Conservative MP, who said they

Conservative MP, who said they Conservative MP, who said they

should at some point consider should at some point consider

should at some point consider should at some point consider

selling this off and take the money? selling this off and take the money?

selling this off and take the money? It is an italic commercial decision

It is an italic commercial decision It is an italic commercial decision

that has been made. Have Manchester that has been made. Have Manchester

that has been made. Have Manchester that has been made. Have Manchester

Airports Group not done a good job Airports Group not done a good job

Airports Group not done a good job of running their own airport? Yes

of running their own airport? Yes of running their own airport? Yes

they have. There has been a they have. There has been a

they have. There has been a year-on-year growth and that is a

year-on-year growth and that is a year-on-year growth and that is a

huge factor and enticing people when huge factor and enticing people when

huge factor and enticing people when huge factor and enticing people when

people are looking to come to the people are looking to come to the

people are looking to come to the people are looking to come to the

United Kingdom. Where do we want to United Kingdom. Where do we want to

United Kingdom. Where do we want to bring their investment question that

bring their investment question that bring their investment question that

they need airports like this. This they need airports like this. This

they need airports like this. This they need airports like this. This

is a great move and one that I is a great move and one that I

is a great move and one that I believe is based on sound commercial

believe is based on sound commercial believe is based on sound commercial

judgement. It is almost like judgement. It is almost like

national privatisation working well? national privatisation working well?

national privatisation working well? You must have a successful business

You must have a successful business You must have a successful business

operation in place and Manchester, operation in place and Manchester,

operation in place and Manchester, that is obvious. This is a

that is obvious. This is a that is obvious. This is a

commercial decision that can be commercial decision that can be

commercial decision that can be medicated elsewhere. Why not go for

medicated elsewhere. Why not go for medicated elsewhere. Why not go for

medicated elsewhere. Why not go for that? Simon, to what extent is this

that? Simon, to what extent is this that? Simon, to what extent is this

that? Simon, to what extent is this all going to hinge on the decision

all going to hinge on the decision all going to hinge on the decision

over the second runway, do you over the second runway, do you

over the second runway, do you think? And the relative short term,

think? And the relative short term, think? And the relative short term,

think? And the relative short term, the next ten years, it will not make

the next ten years, it will not make the next ten years, it will not make

the next ten years, it will not make any difference at all because no one

any difference at all because no one any difference at all because no one

any difference at all because no one is going to invest in a second

is going to invest in a second is going to invest in a second

runway at Stansted and told the runway at Stansted and told the

runway at Stansted and told the first one is looking vaguely full

first one is looking vaguely full first one is looking vaguely full

first one is looking vaguely full and they have a long way to go

and they have a long way to go and they have a long way to go

before that happens. We are running before that happens. We are running

before that happens. We are running before that happens. We are running

before that happens. We are running out of time, I wanted to ask you one

out of time, I wanted to ask you one out of time, I wanted to ask you one

quick thing. Ryanair has been quick thing. Ryanair has been

quick thing. Ryanair has been talking about cutting its number of

talking about cutting its number of talking about cutting its number of

flights and passengers. How worrying flights and passengers. How worrying

flights and passengers. How worrying is that? It is exactly what

is that? It is exactly what is that? It is exactly what

Manchester Airports Group does not Manchester Airports Group does not

Manchester Airports Group does not Manchester Airports Group does not

want but they have to get new want but they have to get new

want but they have to get new aeroplanes in. The trouble is that

aeroplanes in. The trouble is that aeroplanes in. The trouble is that

Stansted has been for long haul Stansted has been for long haul

Stansted has been for long haul services, a complete graveyard. No

services, a complete graveyard. No successful long-haul services have

successful long-haul services have successful long-haul services have

successful long-haul services have endured for any length of time. They

endured for any length of time. They endured for any length of time. They

endured for any length of time. They have tried into Kuala Lumpur and New

have tried into Kuala Lumpur and New have tried into Kuala Lumpur and New

York. They have all stopped. They York. They have all stopped. They

York. They have all stopped. They York. They have all stopped. They

will be going to Emirates and seeing will be going to Emirates and seeing

will be going to Emirates and seeing will be going to Emirates and seeing

that you must let us fly due to that you must let us fly due to

that you must let us fly due to that you must let us fly due to

that you must let us fly due to Stansted to do by but it will be a

Stansted to do by but it will be a tricky, uphill struggle. Meanwhile,

tricky, uphill struggle. Meanwhile, tricky, uphill struggle. Meanwhile,

everything from security to shopping everything from security to shopping

everything from security to shopping everything from security to shopping

has to get better for the passengers has to get better for the passengers

has to get better for the passengers has to get better for the passengers

around London to say, " yes, I will around London to say, " yes, I will

around London to say, " yes, I will try Stansted." Thank you, Simon.

try Stansted." Thank you, Simon. try Stansted." Thank you, Simon.

try Stansted." Thank you, Simon. Time for a roundup and 60 Seconds.

Time for a roundup and 60 Seconds. Time for a roundup and 60 Seconds.

It was cottage pies, now Lancashire It was cottage pies, now Lancashire

It was cottage pies, now Lancashire County Council has found horsemeat

County Council has found horsemeat County Council has found horsemeat

in-school burgers, supposed to be in-school burgers, supposed to be

in-school burgers, supposed to be halal. It has withdrawn all frozen

halal. It has withdrawn all frozen halal. It has withdrawn all frozen

beef products from school canteens. beef products from school canteens.

Cumbria's Police Commissioner has Cumbria's Police Commissioner has

Cumbria's Police Commissioner has called on the government to rethink

called on the government to rethink called on the government to rethink

plans to privatise parts of the plans to privatise parts of the

probation service. Reoffending rates probation service. Reoffending rates

probation service. Reoffending rates probation service. Reoffending rates

will rise because we do not have an will rise because we do not have an

effective probation service. effective probation service.

effective probation service. The police watchdog has criticised

The police watchdog has criticised The police watchdog has criticised

the Chief Constable of South the Chief Constable of South

the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire over comments he made of

Yorkshire over comments he made of Yorkshire over comments he made of

families of the victims of the families of the victims of the

Hillsborough disaster. David Hillsborough disaster. David

Crompton has apologised. Crompton has apologised.

Crompton has apologised. More than 60 years after the

More than 60 years after the More than 60 years after the

Festival of Britain, the Festival of Festival of Britain, the Festival of

Festival of Britain, the Festival of Business is coming to the

Business is coming to the Business is coming to the

north-west. Organisers say the event north-west. Organisers say the event

north-west. Organisers say the event and Liverpool next year could

and Liverpool next year could and Liverpool next year could

attract one quarter of eight million visitors.

visitors. visitors.

People in Blackpool can relax the People in Blackpool can relax the

People in Blackpool can relax the People in Blackpool can relax the

purse strings after a 0.01% cut in purse strings after a 0.01% cut in

purse strings after a 0.01% cut in council tax. It means most

council tax. It means most council tax. It means most

householders will pay 9p less than householders will pay 9p less than

they did last year. they did last year.

they did last year. This festival and business -- this

This festival and business -- this This festival and business -- this

Festival of Business and Liverpool. Festival of Business and Liverpool.

Festival of Business and Liverpool. Festival of Business and Liverpool.

How good an idea as that? How good an idea as that?

How good an idea as that? north-west is leading the way for

north-west is leading the way for north-west is leading the way for

business. If you look at the business. If you look at the

business. If you look at the figures, we are punching above our

figures, we are punching above our figures, we are punching above our

figures, we are punching above our weight. The made in Britain label is

weight. The made in Britain label is weight. The made in Britain label is

really improving. Liverpool is a really improving. Liverpool is a

really improving. Liverpool is a symbol in Britain of a commercial

symbol in Britain of a commercial symbol in Britain of a commercial

symbol in Britain of a commercial city that is pushing for these kind

city that is pushing for these kind city that is pushing for these kind

of ideas and business? This is of ideas and business? This is

important for Liverpool. Liverpool important for Liverpool. Liverpool

is hosting this international is hosting this international

is hosting this international is hosting this international

conference on the heart of the whole conference on the heart of the whole

country. It is recognising country. It is recognising

Liverpool's importance and giving Liverpool's importance and giving

greater opportunity for Liverpool. greater opportunity for Liverpool.

greater opportunity for Liverpool. greater opportunity for Liverpool.

How did Liverpool come to host this How did Liverpool come to host this

How did Liverpool come to host this in the first place? Liverpool is

in the first place? Liverpool is in the first place? Liverpool is

in the first place? Liverpool is increasingly being seen as a city of

increasingly being seen as a city of importance that has successfully

importance that has successfully importance that has successfully

importance that has successfully regenerated and that is able to host

regenerated and that is able to host international conferences.