City business leaders will demand government action to reduce the 'Heathrow hassle' experienced by air travellers when they meet Alistair Darling for their autumn summit in Downing Street tomorrow. Financial Times
The main items on the agenda will be the damage to London’s reputation caused by the Northern Rock fiasco and the after effects of the credit squeeze in financial markets.
But the queues, delays and run-down terminal buildings at London’s busiest airport – which have dominated the two previous meetings of the chancellor’s high-level group – will again be raised by City grandees.
'The current level of service is unacceptable for the main gateway to the UK,' said Michael Snyder, chairman of the City’s policy and resources committee.
The City executives will demand action from transport secretary Ruth Kelly, to ease government-imposed security checks that limit passengers to one piece of hand baggage.
London’s business leaders are also demanding a stronger role in the construction of Crossrail, the east-west train link approved last month.
With a third of the cost being paid by a supplementary business rate, contributions from property owners on the line and a whip-round in the City, business leaders want their expertise in risk management used to ensure Crossrail is completed on time and to budget.