MP Bob Russell has defended the Government’s decision to spend £200million building an airport on a remote island named after Colchester’s patron saint.
International development secretary Andrew Mitchell has announced constructor Basil Read has won the contract to build a runway and other facilities on St Helena, a UK Overseas Territory in the middle of the South Atlantic.
The aim is to increase trade, economic development and tourism to the island and make it financially self-supporting. At present, the island can only be reached via an ageing Royal Mail ship.
Mr Russell, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Island of St Helena Group, led the campaign for an airport.
He said: “It is a huge sum, but not only is it the best option for the future of the island and its 4,000-plus proud British citizens, but it is actually the cheapest option.
“Over time, the airport will prove to be better value for money than paying for a replacement ship and an ever-increasing annual aid budget.”
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