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The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill
02 February 2021
Lead MP
Robert Courts
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Robert Courts raised concerns about the air traffic management and unmanned aircraft bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves the Bill for second reading, emphasising the need to modernize airspace management, tackle unlawful use of unmanned aircraft, and provide alleviation from slot usage requirements due to the pandemic. He highlights potential benefits in reducing flight delays and emissions, ensuring efficient air traffic control, protecting public safety, and supporting aviation's recovery.
Nigel Evans
Con
Darwen
Expresses condolences to the nation for the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore. Passed on condolences from the House of Commons.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Mr Mike Kane supports the Bill, emphasising its significance in modernising UK airspace, updating air traffic control regulations, and providing police with additional powers over drones. He praises the Civil Aviation Authority's work but expresses concerns about the broad scope of the Secretary of State’s powers and questions funding for the airspace change programme.
Andrew Selous
Con
South West Bedfordshire
Mr Andrew Selous supports the Bill, highlighting its environmental benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation and improving efficiency. He raises questions about satellite air traffic control systems and the UK’s plans to integrate such technology for better global tracking of aircraft.
Gavin Newlands
SNP
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Welcomes the legislation to put airspace change and modernisation on a statutory footing, supports extension of the 80/20 slots rule. Highlights the growing problem of drone supply flights into prisons in Scotland and the need for police and prison authorities to intervene. Supports investment for police forces and the Prison Service in England and Wales, as well as improved access to essential medical supplies through autonomous drones. Emphasises the importance of airspace management framework review given aviation growth over decades.
Philip Dunne
Con
Ludlow
Welcomed the objectives of the Bill to update the legislative framework for civilian UK airspace. Stressed the need to reduce aviation's environmental impact, including carbon emissions and noise pollution over special areas such as national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Called for stronger protections against lower flight paths that could harm these designated landscapes and urged the Minister to provide reassurances about sanctions if current guidance is not followed. Also highlighted the importance of engaging with communities impacted by aircraft noise, including those outside airport proximity.
Hayes and Harlington
Welcomed the Bill's aim but expressed scepticism about its ability to deliver quieter, cleaner journeys while increasing capacity. Criticised the lack of an overarching strategy for aviation to secure a sustainable future and highlighted issues with government support without conditions during the pandemic. Emphasised the need for comprehensive long-term planning that includes environmental sustainability, fair treatment of workers, and community involvement in decision-making.
Paul Howell
Con
Sedgefield
Expressed support for the establishment of a single authority to force cooperation in airspace management. Supported modernising regulatory regimes to address congestion and environmental concerns. Voiced concern over waiving slot usage rules during the pandemic, stressing the need to monitor their use closely to avoid harming regional airports like Teesside International. Emphasised the importance of connecting UK regions with Heathrow for economic development.
Paul Girvan
DUP
Lagan Valley
Paul Girvan supports the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill, highlighting its potential to improve airspace management through technological advancements. He notes that piecemeal changes in airspace since the 1950s have led to inefficiencies, pollution, and noise issues. The Bill aims to address these by introducing regulatory reforms and improving capacity. Girvan also emphasises the importance of community consultation when implementing airspace changes, and supports measures against 'ghost flights' to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. He mentions a projection that delays could increase by 72 times by 2030 without intervention. Additionally, he advocates for investment in new technology and radar systems, praising the Bill's provisions on air traffic licences, drone regulation, and no-fly zones.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Mr. Steve Double supports the implementation of reforms outlined in the Bill, which he sees as essential for future prosperity. He highlights the inefficiencies in current airspace management leading to higher pollution, noise, and flight delays. The Bill aims to modernise airspace through three main parts: compelling progress on airspace change proposals, updating the airspace licensing regime, and incorporating provisions for unmanned aircraft such as drones. Additionally, he advocates for greater flexibility in airspace design for general aviation.
Nigel Evans
Con
Ribble Valley
Mr. Nigel Evans did not provide substantive arguments or details regarding the amendment in his brief audio link mention, thus no specific key points can be listed.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Welcomes the Airspace Bill, supporting all parts of it. Emphasises the need for residents' voices to be heard in airspace change consultations and hopes that improvements in aircraft noise will lead to a general improvement in quality of life rather than maintaining current levels of noise with more quieter aircraft. Supports temporary provisions on slot allocation and the introduction of legislation regarding drones.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Supports the Airspace Bill, acknowledging its relevance to Bedfordshire. Highlights concerns over public consultation processes and the need for greater public voice in airspace change decisions. Discusses potential compensation schemes for those affected by airport expansion and expresses interest in police use of drones.
Eleanor Laing
17:30:00
She offered a tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore and expressed support for the Bill.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Suggested that airspace management has been neglected due to the pandemic. Emphasised the need for modernisation of airspace management and addressing noise pollution, air pollution, and illegal drone usage. Highlighted the importance of safeguarding slots for airports to maintain connectivity during economic recovery.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Offered condolences on Captain Sir Tom Moore's passing and expressed support for addressing drone misuse through legislation. Mentioned a development contract in Northern Ireland to build drones, highlighting job creation benefits. Welcomed the Bill’s provisions to regulate drone usage while ensuring security measures.
Andy Carter
Lab
Poole
Andy Carter supports the Aviation Bill, appreciating its cross-party support and potential to modernise UK airspace for safety and efficiency. He highlights the importance of retaining key elements of aviation safety and preparing for future needs over the next 50 years. The MP acknowledges the current state of limited air traffic due to COVID-19 but anticipates a return to normal levels post-pandemic, necessitating fit-for-purpose infrastructure. Carter also welcomes measures addressing noise pollution through simplified airspace and direct routes while emphasising environmental benefits from reduced carbon emissions. Furthermore, he commends the £8 million grant funding for airports like Manchester and Liverpool to support them during financial hardship due to decreased passenger numbers. He supports part 2 of the Bill which modernises regulatory provisions and allows alleviation from slot requirements at coordinated airports until 2024. Lastly, Carter endorses part 3's police powers to tackle unlawful drone usage.
Aaron Bell
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
He supports the bill as a refreshing update to traditional legislation reflecting changes in the world. He emphasises the need for proportionate regulation, quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys, and highlights the importance of airspace modernisation to avoid delays and improve capacity.
Dean Russell
Con
Watford
He supports parts 1 and 3 of the bill. He praises the transformative nature of the bill, highlighting its importance for security, safety, and travellers in the aviation industry. Dean also emphasises the role of drones in society, both positively and negatively, and supports the measures proposed to ensure safe use.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Offers condolences to Sir Tom Moore's family, praises the debate for being well-informed and cooperative. Emphasises the importance of treating airways as critical national infrastructure and improving them despite Treasury hold-ups. Supports better police powers against malicious use of drones, environmental impact mitigation in aviation, a comprehensive strategy for airport issues, and airspace modernisation to benefit small craft. Urges further support for regional airports beyond business rates support. Calls for a sector-specific deal to inspire young people into STEM subjects.
Robert Courts
Con
Somerton and Frome
Summarized the Government's position on airspace modernisation, emphasising the need for user pays principle despite the pandemic. Cited examples of inefficiencies in current airspace design and environmental benefits from modernisation. Highlighted the importance of engagement with communities through CAP 1616 process. Addressed concerns regarding noise impact and flights over areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs). Discussed opportunities offered by new technologies for reducing emissions and improving navigation accuracy. Mentioned provisions on slots in part 2 of the Bill to support aviation sector recovery while reducing ghost flights. Addressed specific points raised by other MPs, including unmanned aircraft regulation.
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