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Question
What steps is the Minister taking to help those workers find new jobs, given the heavy reliance of many regions on aviation?
Minister reply
The Department for Work and Pensions stands ready with its rapid response service offer at local Jobcentre Plus outlets. Additionally, the Insolvency Service's redundancy payment scheme will ensure timely payments to affected employees from the national insurance fund.
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Question
Will the Government draw on the CAA’s skills and expertise if existing capacity does not suffice for all Flybe passengers?
Minister reply
The Civil Aviation Authority is already playing a crucial role, and other airlines like easyJet are offering rescue fares. The government will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure safe passage of affected passengers.
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Question
What assessment has the Minister made regarding the risk posed by coronavirus to other airlines, and what preparations are in place?
Minister reply
An ongoing review is being conducted to assess risks. The government is working closely with aviation industry representatives to ensure that necessary support measures are in place as required.
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Question
Will the Minister address the industry’s concerns over slot usage rules urgently?
Minister reply
The government acknowledges these concerns and will discuss them further during a roundtable with aviation industry members next week.
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Question
The collapse of Flybe is disastrous, resulting in 2,000 job losses. What steps are being taken to help workers find new jobs? The MP also raised concerns about regional connectivity and the need for government intervention on airline insolvency rules.
Minister reply
Tolhurst acknowledged the job losses and said the Government would provide support through industry initiatives, such as prioritising Flybe staff in recruitment processes. She stated that the Government has been working to maintain passenger routes and protect regional airports' viability.
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Question
Airline insolvency reform was promised in the Queen's Speech. When will legislation be introduced to help airlines either unwind or recover?
Minister reply
Tolhurst committed to moving forward with this legislation as soon as possible and offered to provide updates.
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Question
The MP expressed concern about the impact on employees, passengers, and regional connectivity in Scotland. He asked for assurances regarding refunds for affected passengers and promised action on public service obligations.
Minister reply
Tolhurst assured that Loganair had committed to maintaining 16 routes and that the Department would work with industry to backfill other routes and maintain airport viability. She offered to discuss the Scottish situation further.
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Question
The MP expressed concern about Flybe’s impact on regional connectivity in his constituency, especially at Exeter airport.
Minister reply
Tolhurst assured that the Department is working to secure as many routes as possible and offered support for those who have lost their jobs.
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Question
Asks if the Government's inaction on infrastructure might exacerbate the economic impact of coronavirus.
Minister reply
Disagrees, stating that Flybe was not allowed to go bankrupt without government action and emphasises ongoing assessment of wider economic impacts.
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Question
Inquires about support for regional airports, particularly Southampton airport, in light of Flybe's collapse.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of regional connectivity and expresses commitment to working with local constituencies.
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Question
Asks for a statement on support for Northern Ireland’s economy due to Flybe's impact.
Minister reply
Confirms that the government is working with affected areas and acknowledges the importance of connectivity in Northern Ireland.
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Question
Inquires about the continuation of the Newquay to London public sector obligation route.
Minister reply
Confirms commitment to keeping the PSO route operational and working with local officials to find a new carrier.
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Question
Asks for recognition of Northern Ireland's unique circumstances in response strategies.
Minister reply
Agrees that special considerations are necessary due to the lack of alternative road and rail links, and commits to working with regional colleagues.
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Question
Discusses the impact on Hampshire’s economy and asks for government measures to support regional connectivity.
Minister reply
Commits to reviewing regional air connectivity and developing policies that work for local economies, focusing on short-term solutions.
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Question
Asks about the impact of Flybe's collapse on Teesside airport and operations.
Minister reply
Confirms discussions with the Tees Valley Mayor and commitment to working with airlines and airports to maintain viability.
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Question
Asks for confirmation of government support to minimize disruption caused by Flybe's route loss.
Minister reply
Commits to working closely with industry, airports, and airlines to understand issues and challenges.
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Question
Asks the Minister to ensure regional flights are prioritised at hub airports.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns about slots being taken up by larger airlines and commits ongoing conversations with airlines.
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Question
Asks for commitment to prioritise Southampton airport's connectivity issues post-Flybe.
Minister reply
Acknowledges concerns about Southampton and commits to working with colleagues, airlines, and airports to solve issues.
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Question
Expresses concerns about the lack of attention to routes to Northern Ireland, particularly Cardiff airport's connectivity issues. Inquires if ferry travel will be included in free rail travel or rescue fares.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the point and assures that colleagues are working on options for ferry travel as part of support measures.
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Question
Concerns about staff in his constituency, requests details on Department for Transport's measures to support Flybe's former employees.
Minister reply
Promises rapid response service from the Work and Pensions department. Loganair will prioritise hiring Flybe’s former staff.
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Question
Highlights the significance of regional connectivity to Belfast City airport and seeks assurances that the Chancellor, through air passenger duty, and other Departments will support growth in regional connectivity.
Minister reply
Commits to working with Northern Ireland Executive on devolution of short-haul APD.
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Question
Asks for collaboration between Employment Minister and the DWP to address perception of specialisation in aviation sector, making it a barrier to entry for other employers.
Minister reply
Agrees on recognition of transferrable skills among highly skilled individuals who have been working for Flybe.
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Question
Concerns about supply chain jobs at risk, requests support from the Department for Work and Pensions. Asks for reassurances regarding pension schemes of former employees based in the Isle of Man.
Minister reply
Promises to work across Government departments to address issues faced by staff, including lessons learned from Thomas Cook's collapse.
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Question
Draws parallels between Flybe and Thomas Cook collapses, inquires about measures taken to prevent future occurrences.
Minister reply
Acknowledges challenges faced by airlines due to coronavirus but assures ongoing work with the industry.
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Question
Suggests that domestic flights are sometimes the only viable option and asks for commitment from the Minister on building infrastructure in certain parts of the country.
Minister reply
Commits to levelling up all regions, including air, rail and other forms of transport.
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Question
Highlights Flybe's reliance on both domestic and European flights, affected by Brexit. Inquires about evaluations of companies facing weakness due to Brexit.
Minister reply
Acknowledges ongoing work with industry to understand challenges faced by airlines.
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Question
Raises concerns about impacts on regional economies, cultural activities, and sports fans due to the absence of decent cross-country rail links.
Minister reply
Promises specific action to ensure people can travel for planned events.
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Question
Asks if British Government will remove ideological opposition to empowering Welsh Government with powers over APD, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have.
Minister reply
States no plans to change APD policy. Refers to Exchequer Secretary’s response on the matter.
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Question
In Northern Ireland, the significance of Belfast City airport is greater than that of other airports. Other airlines may be prepared to fill gaps left by current carriers, but there is concern about declining connectivity in the UK and calls for urgent action on Air Passenger Duty (APD).
Minister reply
The Government will work closely with airports and airlines serving Northern Ireland to maintain important connectivity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The Chancellor has committed to reviewing APD, and we have outlined our manifesto commitment to delivering short-haul APD reductions in Northern Ireland.