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The new clauses aim to amend the CAA's duties so that it is required to meet net zero emissions by 2050 and reduce noise impacts, consider measures to reduce military aviation noise pollution in airspace change proposals, restart consultations on ongoing airspace change proposals with consideration of externalities such as air pollution, noise pollution, and road traffic congestion. Additionally, the clauses would require a financial impact assessment by the Secretary of State for two years after the Act's implementation.
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The amendments aim to address critical issues of noise and emissions in aviation legislation. The intention is not to reduce safety but rather to prioritise environmental matters. Current ranking orders subordinate noise and emissions, and there should be strict conditions for airport expansion.
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Mr. Fuller argues that the current consultation for airspace changes between Luton airport and Stansted airport should be halted to account for environmental impacts as outlined in the Bill. He highlights concerns over commercial interests driving consultations without considering affected constituencies. He also proposes financial assessments including externalities such as pollution and congestion from proposed airspace modifications.
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Mr. Kane supports the Bill, emphasising its necessity for modernising Britain's airspace management system with digital technology. He agrees on Part 2 regarding air traffic control services regulation but expresses concern about the aviation sector’s current condition due to the pandemic and urges the Government to provide a robust recovery plan.
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Mr. Evans briefly acknowledges Mr. Kane's speech without adding substantial arguments for or against the amendments, but his intervention suggests support for maintaining parliamentary decorum and respect towards other speakers.
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Mr. Everitt supports the Bill due to its potential to modernise airspace management, reduce pollution and congestion, and facilitate co-existence between various aircraft types including drones. He highlights Milton Keynes' expertise in managing delivery robots as an analogy for effective airspace regulation.
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Cadbury criticised the Government's lack of action on aviation noise pollution. She proposed an amendment to include a duty for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to reduce, minimise or mitigate noise, which was not accepted by the government. She cited health impacts from aviation noise and raised concerns about increased flights leading to more noise disturbance. Cadbury highlighted the economic impact on communities around Heathrow due to reduced air traffic during the pandemic.
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Olney supported airspace modernisation plans in the Bill and echoed Ruth Cadbury's concerns about noise pollution. She urged for future consideration of giving CAA the power to consider noise impact when designating airspace. Olney also emphasised the need for clarity on how aviation contributes to climate change targets and expressed hope for further government direction on rebuilding the aviation industry.
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Supports the Government’s move to waive the 80:20 rule for airport slot allocation due to the coronavirus pandemic, highlighting the need for support for the airline industry. Emphasises the importance of protecting domestic routes in Northern Ireland and looks forward to potential international routes. Welcomes measures to regulate drones, including powers to ground unmanned aircraft, stop and search people and vehicles, and obtain warrants to search property. Questions if all necessary discussions have taken place with regions like Northern Ireland.
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Robert Courts thanked MPs for their contributions to the Bill. He explained that while he recognises the impact of aviation noise on communities, the Government cannot support new clause 1 because safety must be the primary duty of the CAA in its air navigation functions. He also stated that new clause 2 would have unintended consequences and restrict airspace modernisation efforts, hence it is not supported by the Government.
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Asked for further clarification on what the Minister will say during Third Reading.
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Acknowledged the issues raised in new clauses and amendments. Emphasised agreement on objectives despite differing paths to achieve them. Withdrew motion for leave to withdraw.
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Praised Manchester airport, shadow aviation role, and UK’s world-class aviation sector. Advocated for airspace modernisation to increase capacity, reduce noise and carbon emissions. Highlighted outdated drone technology legislation since 1990. Recognised retiring caseworker Al Franco.
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Expressed well wishes for Mike Kane’s retiring caseworker.
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Praised Glasgow airport and UK's aviation sector. Called for proper sectoral support from Government. Thanked Minister, Bill team, and Clerks for help and patience. Supported progress on airspace modernisation.