Nigel Cornall criticises my call for Southend Airport to close, arguing that we will lose jobs. In fact the opposite is the case.

Prior to Covid-19 the UK aviation tourism deficit exceeded £22billion per annum.

Far more Brits were spending their cash abroad than foreign nationals were spending cash here.

When Southend Airport expanded its operations we saw the tourism deficit increase. In the first full year of operations £181million was taken abroad via Southend Airport, which was equivalent to losing 7,870 jobs.

Every councillor on Southend and Rochford councils was informed and the councils were challenged to publish their own calculations. They were too ashamed to do so, and still are.

JON FULLER

South Essex Friends of the Earth

Westcliff

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