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Question
The statement should have been brought forward months ago. What assessment has the Government undertaken on the total cost of Heathrow expansion? How will costs be minimised, especially with concerns over pass-through costs to passengers?
Minister reply
We are committed to delivering a decision by 2035 and completing the ANPS process by end-2026. Costs must be minimised through private financing and robust economic regulation. The Government will work closely with the CAA to review regulatory frameworks ensuring cost-effective delivery.
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Question
I am interested in the right hon. Gentleman’s comments about our pace of delivery, and I roundly reject his criticisms on this.
Minister reply
We are accelerating Heathrow expansion and setting out a swift review of ANPS to help us determine applications swiftly. Previous work under the last Government took over five years; we aim to deliver it three years faster.
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Question
How exactly will the cost not be passed on to passengers if the Treasury is not funding those costs?
Minister reply
We are giving careful consideration to these issues in the ANPS review, which will take place over the coming months. We are making rapid progress in cleaning up fuel used in planes and reforming airspace for cleaner flights.
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Question
What dangers exist in relying solely on the private sector to fund large schemes?
Minister reply
We are committed to reaching net zero for the whole economy by 2050, and we will meet our climate change obligations as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. We engage with the CCC in the ANPS review.
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Question
Could she be a bit more precise on the timescale for stakeholder engagement measures?
Minister reply
The stakeholder engagement process will be published shortly, but specific details are not provided in this statement.
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Question
Residents in Stanwell Moor, a village near Heathrow, have faced noise pollution and other issues. Will they be directly engaged in the consultation process? Also, will there be baseline measurements for air and sound pollution?
Minister reply
There will be meaningful engagement with local communities, including those in Stanwell Moor. The ANPS review will include a thorough examination of noise requirements, and mitigations are set out in the document.
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Question
Is this not a done deal? Will there be an independent analysis of economic costs, environmental effects, and demand for expansion?
Minister reply
The process will be thorough and evidence-led. As Secretary of State, I assure my constituents that their best interests are at heart and the decision-making process will be approached with professionalism.
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Question
Will trains be part of the consultation? If expansion goes ahead, we need better rail access to Heathrow.
Minister reply
We will look at rail requirements holistically during the ANPS review.
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Question
How can we ensure public transport infrastructure is adequately funded if expansion goes ahead?
Minister reply
We will closely examine how people get to and from the airport, including upgrades like a new fleet of Piccadilly line trains. Transport for London is buying higher capacity trains as part of a larger programme.
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Question
If evidence shows that environmental costs are too high and economic benefits insufficient, will the Government be prepared to do a U-turn?
Minister reply
We see huge opportunities in expanding Heathrow capacity. The process will be thorough, involving all relevant tests including those from the Climate Change Committee. A decision will be taken based on evidence.
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Question
Will expansion help businesses and maintain Heathrow’s position as a world-leading aviation hub?
Minister reply
We aim to move at speed but properly, recognising the economic importance of Heathrow for Slough households and overall business opportunities.
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Question
Why compound planning errors by expanding Heathrow? What about direct connectivity impacts on regional airports?
Minister reply
I believe an expanded Heathrow could provide greater regional connectivity, as it is our only hub airport for long-haul flights and air freight.
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Question
Will the four tests used in the review be transparent? Can early engagement with affected communities be assured?
Minister reply
We are committed to meaningful consultation opportunities. If changes to ANPS become necessary, a new draft will be consulted by next summer.
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Question
How can residents affected by noise pollution ensure their views are heard? Will the climate commitments of the UK influence the decision?
Minister reply
We will engage transparently with communities, ensuring that all concerns about noise, air quality, carbon impacts, and economic benefits are addressed.
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Question
Heathrow aircraft noise has a significant detrimental impact on my Putney constituents. Similar hubs in other European countries affect far fewer people; will the Secretary of State commit to a binding noise limit within the new strategy, as well as strong environmental limits and full community consultation?
Minister reply
The current ANPS sets clear requirements on noise that any scheme must meet. We will review these alongside necessary mitigation measures, consulting on changes if required.
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Question
Given the DFT’s updated appraisal report showing exaggerated economic benefits and Heathrow Airport Ltd's debt of £15 billion with costs rising by 50%, what makes the Secretary of State confident that private financing will be secured for the proposals, including surface transport upgrades?
Minister reply
The two promoters remaining in the scheme are responsible for securing private investment; they have expressed confidence. The business community strongly supports expansion, emphasising its economic benefits.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm whether demand management will be part of the strategy to reduce carbon emissions and how she plans to address factors such as sustainable aviation fuel that fall outside Heathrow’s control?
Minister reply
We are not considering demand management at present. Our focus is on aviation decarbonisation through new fuels and technologies.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm that costs for rail access, the southern and western rail links, and associated road schemes are included in existing estimates? Will she ensure these plans cover all aspects and avoid taxpayer burden?
Minister reply
The project will need to be privately financed. The promoter submitting a planning application must demonstrate consistency with the reviewed ANPS.
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Question
Will air quality be at the heart of the review, especially for future generations in London? Will she reassure local organisations campaigning to ensure that air quality is not impacted?
Minister reply
Air quality will be a key factor considered through the ANPS review. We take this issue seriously and acknowledge recent changes such as the ultra-low emission zone.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State provide a cast-iron guarantee that Woking, 16 minutes from Heathrow with no rail link, will finally get one if the airport is expanded?
Minister reply
We will examine rail in detail through the ANPS review to ensure an expanded Heathrow operates successfully.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that delivering sustainable expansion is not just about flights but jobs, apprenticeships and growth for regional airports like East Midlands airport?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct; East Midlands airport plays a crucial role in air freight, second only to Heathrow.
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Question
What consideration has the Secretary of State given to potential Chinese investment into this critical national infrastructure?
Minister reply
Promoters will secure financing, but national security is paramount. We seek international investment to boost UK competitiveness and improve global connectivity.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State clarify whether 'airports' in the ANPS review is plural, and if so, will she consider cumulative environmental impacts across multiple airport expansions?
Minister reply
The ANPS review is site-specific for Heathrow. Other applications are dealt with using the 'making best use of runways' policy.
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Question
After the fudge on Gatwick, if tests say no to expansion, will the Secretary of State also say no?
Minister reply
I refer to previous remarks about carbon budgets. It is not true that only the wealthiest want to fly; it is an aspiration shared by many.
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Question
Can she assure regional airports and their communities are being considered in this process?
Minister reply
This Government are ambitious for all UK airports, including regional ones. I was with Birmingham airport’s CEO yesterday; £300 million investment was announced at the regional summit.
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Question
Can she ensure slots at an expanded airport for flights from regional airports and is she confident that climate change targets won not be used to stop projects in Northern Ireland?
Minister reply
We will ensure slots for regional airports. We are committed to the Climate Change Act 2008.
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Question
Recognises the national importance of the project and inquires about involvement of firms across Staffordshire and the Midlands if the scheme is approved.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the significant supply chain opportunities for construction, expansion, and aviation sector growth. Promises to review economic impacts through ANPS.
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Question
Asks for more detail on airspace modernisation progress regarding noise pollution in her constituency.
Minister reply
Confirms the establishment of UK airspace design service by year-end, focusing initially on London's airspace. Invites further details from constituents to address specific concerns.
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Question
Expresses concern about noise pollution in Fulham and seeks reassurance regarding adherence to ANPS noise commitments.
Minister reply
Reiterates commitment to current noise requirements while considering new technologies. Promises thorough work before any changes are made, with consultation before summer.
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Question
Inquires about potential manufacturing and logistics hubs in Northern Ireland for the Heathrow hub.
Minister reply
Emphasises economic growth across the whole of the UK, providing reassurance that all parts will be considered.
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Question
Discusses surface access improvements from Bracknell to Heathrow and asks about accountability for commitments in ANPS review.
Minister reply
Explains that ANPS will set a policy framework, with thorough consideration of future planning applications before decisions are made.
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Question
Welcomes the economic advantage and inquires about securing regional airport connectivity and Northern Ireland contractors' involvement.
Minister reply
Reaffirms ambition for UK-wide benefits, including thorough review of economic impacts through ANPS. Promises to maximise economic opportunities.
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Question
Proposes a fifth test focusing on avoiding detrimental effects on places like Edinburgh if the expansion goes ahead.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Edinburgh's rail and flight connections, expressing ambition for improved connectivity to cities such as Edinburgh.
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Question
Urges modernisation of British airspace, citing Bournemouth airport’s difficulties in connecting with European airspace.
Minister reply
Confirms focus on London area for initial work but acknowledges the case made by Bournemouth.
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Question
Points out delays caused during the previous government's term and asks for assurance that lessons have been learned.
Minister reply
Agrees with criticism, citing 14 wasted years of delays and lack of decisive action.