A Durham MP has backed calls for Newcastle Airport to be renamed as “Newcastle Queen Elizabeth International Airport” following the monarch's passing.

Richard Holden, Conservative MP for North West Durham MP, backed the calls from a Northumberland councillor and Hexham MP Guy Opperman.

But the board at Newcastle Airport has rejected the calls saying it is not 'feasible'.

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It comes after Northumberland County Council launched a public consultation on a permanent memorial for the Queen in the county. Part of the airport, which is near Ponteland, falls within the boundaries of Northumberland.

Richard Holden MP said: “This is an excellent idea from local Conservative councillor in the North East and one that I support one hundred percent. The North East had a special and storied bond with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“The pain of the nation was nowhere more apparent than up here. Renaming Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Queen Elizabeth International Airport in her honour will be a fitting tribute to her over 70 years of service.”

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Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said it would have been a fitting tribute to the late monarch.

He said: “I really hope that residents take part in the Councils consultation which is open until the 19th October.  I will be making representations to the Airport management suggesting that it be renamed ‘ Newcastle Queen Elizabeth International Airport.’ 

“This will create a region wide lasting memorial to our longest serving monarch. We have seen the airport grow during her reign to now it being a vital part of life in the North East.”

The call was backed by Hexham Conservative MP Guy Opperman..

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Mr Opperman said: “Newcastle International Airport is not just a modern and vibrant gateway for trade and tourism but also a major employer in the area offering a wide range of opportunities, many of my constituents are proud to work there.

“It is right to consider such a memorial to Her Majesty, which will help to put our area even more on the map.”

But this week the airport’s board has met and decided against the idea. Currently, ideas are being explored to pay tribute to Her Late Majesty in some other way.

A spokesman for Newcastle Airport said: “We understand the sentiment of the suggested renaming of Newcastle International Airport to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The suggestion has been discussed at Board level but we have concluded that changing the name of the Airport would not be a feasible response.

“Newcastle International Airport is an established name in the global aviation market, which has taken many decades to build up. We are currently reviewing how the Airport will commemorate her Majesty’s reign.”

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