Will Gatwick's second runway boost the UK economy? How readers voted

The plan for a second runway at Gatwick Airport was recently given the green light, with ministers claiming that the expansion would provide a much-needed economic boost for the UK.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the £2.2bn project, which is privately financed and involves moving the existing northern runway, could create thousands of jobs and help “kickstart the economy”.

“By slashing red tape and transforming the planning system to get Britain building again we are investing in this country’s renewal and building an economy that works for working people," she added.

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Reeves suggested that the decision could lead to cheaper holidays, while Gatwick officials said its plans could inject £1bn into the region's economy every year.

Earlier in the week, we asked for your thoughts on the runway plan. Our poll received 353 votes, with just over half (52%) agreeing that it would boost the economy, 38% disagreeing and 10% undecided.Finance poll of the week

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