Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Exiting the European Union (Civil Aviation)

10 June 2020 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Rachel Maclean Con Wythenshawe and Sale East

TransportBrexit

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rachel Maclean raised concerns about exiting the european union (civil aviation) in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The draft Civil Aviation (Insurance) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 will ensure UK aviation insurance legislation remains effective post-transition period.
  • The regulation transfers EU legislative functions regarding minimum insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators to a UK public authority.
  • The regulation aims to maintain adherence to international treaties like the Montreal Convention.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rachel Maclean Con Wythenshawe and Sale East

The draft Civil Aviation (Insurance) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 will be made under the powers conferred by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, ensuring that UK legislation on aviation insurance continues to function effectively after the end of the transition period. The regulation aims to transfer EU legislative functions related to minimum insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators to a public authority in the UK, maintaining continuity and adherence to international treaties such as the Montreal Convention.

Other contributors (6)
  • Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East

    The statutory instrument is uncontroversial but requires scrutiny due to concerns about potential discrepancies between EU and UK minimum insurance levels post-transition. The shadow minister also highlighted the need for parliamentary scrutiny amid limitations imposed by social distancing measures, stressing the importance of certainty for the aviation sector during unprecedented economic upheaval.

  • Gavin Newlands SNP Glasgow North

    Acknowledges the difficult situation for the aviation sector due to Brexit. Supports maintaining EU regulations on exit day despite reservations about Scotland's forced withdrawal from the EU. Raises concerns over business interruption insurance and the fairness of current refund policies.

  • Eleanor Laing Con Epping Forest

    Orders the House to clarify that it is not necessary for all participants to be present at the start of a debate under current circumstances. Reassures Gavin Newlands about his late entrance and acknowledges the need for regulatory alignment.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Wishes the Minister success in her new role. Supports the regulations to ensure aviation standards are set by UK Ministers post-Brexit. Emphasises the importance of supporting the aviation sector through production, connectivity, staff support, and individual airline assistance during the pandemic.

  • Rachel Maclean Con Rochester and Strood

    Expressed the Government's support for the aviation industry, acknowledged the commitment from the hon. Member for Bristol East to support the SI, reassured about the transfer of powers related to leaving the EU, discussed financial support provided to airlines, highlighted the importance of social distancing and quarantine measures, addressed concerns raised by other Members.

  • Gavin Newlands SNP Paisley and Renfrewshire North

    Asked about potential dates for introducing air bridges and whether different holiday seasons around the UK are being considered, specifically mentioning Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Government Response

Government Minister

Discussed the Government's position on social distancing and quarantine measures, addressed concerns related to air bridges, acknowledged the importance of aviation security and mentioned discussions with devolved Administrations.

Shadow Response

Kerry McCarthy

The shadow minister emphasised the need for clarity on policy areas such as EU transition legislation, financial support for the aviation industry, and measures to prevent further spread of covid-19. She also expressed concerns over the impact of rushing through delegated legislation due to the arbitrary end date for the transition period.

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