Cargo volumes at the UK’s largest port Heathrow Airport grew 2.1 per cent in June, with strong growth to China which was up 11 per cent, India up 3.3 per cent and Turkey up three per cent.

In June, the gateway handled 125,636 tonnes, and so far in 2016 after six months it has processed 754,597 tonnes, up 1.7 per cent on the same six months last year. On a rolling 12 month basis, cargo is down slightly by 0.3 per cent to 1,509,408 tonnes.

Heathrow chief executive officer, John Holland-Kaye explains: “With cargo volumes at Heathrow growing, our next Prime Minister has a real opportunity to secure Britain’s legacy as an outward-looking trading nation. Now more than ever, a decision on Heathrow expansion must be at the top of her in-tray.

“We’ll double cargo capacity at the UK’s largest port, helping even more British exporters trade with all the growing markets of the world. And at a time of uncertainty, a £16bn privately funded infrastructure investment will create jobs and growth across the UK.

“And with Parliament overwhelmingly endorsing a third runway, our next Prime Minister can send the strongest possible signal that Brexit Britain is open for business and confident in its future by expanding Heathrow.”