Last week, Carol Vorderman MBE joined Kelly Tolhurst MP and parliamentarians from both houses to launch the All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation.
The Group intends to fight for the £3bn General Aviation sector that has created 38,000 jobs, inspires young people to participate in STEM, and which directly supports UK military, industry and commerce. It will aim to promote the interests of general aviation at all levels of government and business, and to protect further airfields from closure and re-development as brownfield sites.
Rochester Airport has a proud aviation history and currently boasts a successful flying club, air cadets and is home to excellent STEM skills at BAE Systems and Aeromet. Over its many years, Rochester Airport has become integral to the economic growth and development of Medway and as part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone will soon become a creator of high quality technology jobs and apprenticeships. However, despite being a beloved feature to Rochester residents over generations, the Airport and its future plans has been threatened with closure and re-development by past councils.
Carol Vorderman stressed the importance of the contribution made by the Air Cadets, for whom she is an ambassador, to the training of tomorrow’s young pilots and engineers and of the country’s airfields to the future of jobs and prosperity. The TV star also owns and flies her own light aircraft, previously using Thanet as a base.
At the meeting Kelly said,
“It is great to bring to Parliament a forum that looks out for a smaller airfields, all of which contribute hugely to our economy, skills and culture.
“Rochester Airport has delivered this and more to Medway over generations, and it is in our interest to see it flourish and grow. There is an exciting future for communities and airfields like Rochester and up and down the country provided we offer the necessary support and investment it deserves.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the APPG on General Aviation and supporting our smaller airfields and airports over this Parliament and beyond.”