A world class Heathrow
London’s international links are among its greatest assets. The recent poor quality of the passenger experience – characterised by flight delays, excessive and unreliable waiting times, deteriorating terminals and distorted economic incentives – are the focus of our new report, which suggests short term proposals to restore Heathrow to world class status.
Keeping the UK Competitive
Keeping the UK Competitive is London First’s campaign to persuade the Government to strengthen the UK through strategic investment in the capital's infrastructure, particularly transport and skills, while maintaining a competitive business environment
The UK is facing mounting international competition and as its capital city, London is competing with global cities such as Paris, New York, Shanghai and Dubai. We must act now to support what will maintain the UK's competitive edge globally and give the best return on investment for the whole country.
The case is compelling:
- London's £80 billion in taxes supports the whole of the UK – the capital makes a substantial net contribution to the exchequer
- London has a higher unemployment rate than any other UK region
- London's transport system is creaking at the seams – unable to support the forecast increase in the capital’s commuting workforce
Keeping the UK Competitive encompasses the case for Government investment in London. But it also includes other steps to maintain London’s status as a competitive world city. Read more about our work:
Crossrail – at the forefront of the campaign for this vital east-west rail scheme
Skills – ensuring that the needs of employers are reflected in skills training provision for the capital, working with the new London Skills and Employment Board, which our lobbying helped to secure
Financial services - London First briefs the Chancellor’s high level advisory group on financial services, on issues affecting competitiveness
Tax and regulation – pressing for the tax and regulatory environment in London to be business-friendly and competitive
Governance – winning devolved government for the UK capital with the necessary power, resource and accountability to shape London’s destiny
Planning – seeking a planning system which enables the market to respond effectively to London’s growing need for good quality housing and commercial development
Read our influential report, Keeping the UK Competitive
executive summary ; full report
For more information contact Graham Capper
