Flybe

Question

Flybe is an important regional airline, serving business and leisure travel needs. Caroline highlighted that Southampton airport employs many constituents and serves the wider region as a transport hub for the south-east. She expressed concern about Flybe's reported difficulties but welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing regional connectivity issues. She asked whether Ministers could expand on what might be achieved regarding air passenger duty and state aid rules, and inquired about the Minister's powers to protect key routes and staff.

Question

Andy congratulated Caroline Nokes on securing the urgent question. He acknowledged Flybe's importance but criticised the Government’s previous response to Thomas Cook, urging them not to repeat similar mistakes. Andy asked about the restructuring plan agreed upon by the Government, discussions with trade unions Unite and BALPA, and whether the new consortium sought assurances regarding Government assistance and APD intentions prior to acquisition.

Question

Thanked the Minister for constructive engagement on Flybe's situation. Emphasised the importance of Flybe to Cornwall Airport Newquay and highlighted that it is ordinary working people and small businesses in Cornwall that rely on this connection, both within the UK and internationally. Urged the Minister to ensure Flybe continues operating and expressed support if he can use his influence to cut Air Passenger Duty (APD). Asked whether the PSO route to Heathrow could be transferred if Flybe ceases operations.

Question

Asked about the impact assessment on connectivity loss if Flybe fails. Inquired about lifeline routes' status, assessed Heathrow slot options in case of failure, and questioned consumer protections for non-ATOL carriers. Criticised previous lack of intervention and sought comprehensive Government plans to tackle future collapses. Pressed for confirmation that APD revenues are not ring-fenced for climate change and expressed concern over market uncertainty's impact on bookings.

Question

Thanked the Minister for updates and emphasised that 94% of flights from Southampton are operated by Flybe, impacting local economy. Asked what measures will be taken to support this airline due to its importance to regional connectivity.

Question

Criticised Government for lack of intervention in previous airline collapses, seeking assurance that lessons have been learned to protect passengers, support critical routes and prevent taxpayer-funded bailouts.

Question

Expressed concern about short-term crisis impacting constituents during school half-term and longer term issues of uneven regulatory playing fields affecting regional airlines. Asked if Government would address these issues.

Question

Suggested the climate emergency necessitates rapid changes in high-carbon sectors like aviation. Criticised bailing out polluting companies and urged Government to develop just transition plans for high-carbon industries, including rail connectivity enhancements.

Question

Highlighted importance of London-Cornwall links for business meetings and tourism. Asked Minister to ensure these connections remain.

Question

Critiqued new Flybe owners for acquiring airline at a low cost while destroying shareholder value. Asked if the Minister recognises that abolishing APD would increase tax revenue and benefit the economy.

Question

Suggested airlines should be allowed to continue operations during administration for more certainty. Asked if the Government would consider this reform in the insolvency review.

Question

Asked if the Minister or Secretary of State have had direct conversations with Welsh Government regarding Cardiff airport's viability post-Flybe reductions.

Question

Congratulates the Minister on securing the question. Highlights the importance of Flybe to his constituency and calls for cross-party work to ensure its future.

Question

Asks about when legislation regarding airline insolvency will be brought forward. Queries the role of domestic aviation in transport networks and how it fits with decarbonisation plans.

Question

Congratulates the Minister on securing the urgent question and emphasises the importance of Flybe's routes to jobs and the economy in his constituency.

Question

Critiques the Minister's lack of focus on decarbonisation in his statement, urging him to factor climate change into his response.

Question

Concerned about the impact on Birmingham airport employees and passengers due to Flybe's situation, requests reassurance from the Minister.

Question

Asks about steps being taken to ensure domestic flights in the UK are environmentally friendly.

Question

Highlights the impact of Flybe's partnerships with other airlines, such as Eastern Airways based in Humberside.

Question

Expresses concern over the impact of Flybe's potential collapse on Manchester airport, referencing previous issues with Thomas Cook.

Question

Requests reassurance that the Government will support Flybe until new legislation comes into force.

Question

Expresses concern over Flybe's impact on Teesside International airport and questions the Government’s past actions regarding regional development.

Question

Highlights the need for investment in rail to complement aviation, particularly trans-Pennine rail.

Question

Asks if the British Government has received any direct representations from the Welsh Government regarding Flybe's situation.

Question

Asks what lessons have been learned from previous airline collapses, specifically Monarch and Thomas Cook.

Question

Critiques the Government’s approach to supporting profitable airlines and questions whether it aligns with climate change commitments.

Question

Mr Speaker, The Bible says that 'the last shall be first, and the first last'.