Plans to expand Stansted Airport are important for the regeneration of the east of England region, according to one Labour MP for Ipswich.

Chris Mole told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the expansion will help to revive areas such as Harlow, Haverhill and Luton, while meeting the needs of businesses - particularly those based in Cambridge - looking to expand internationally.

The hub's proposals include building a second runway and boosting public transport links to the airport. Concerns have been raised in some quarters over whether the plans will have a negative impact on the local environment.

"Stansted is not just another London airport; it is also a major driver of economic activity in the east of England region," Mr Mole commented.

The airport is the third largest in the UK and offers flights to more than 160 destinations around the world, including New York, Las Vegas and Berlin.

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