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Flybe
14 January 2020
Lead MP
Paul Maynard
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentBrexit
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Paul Maynard raised concerns about flybe in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister thanked the right hon. Friend for raising concerns about Flybe, an important regional airline. He emphasised that Flybe remains operational and flights continue as usual. The Government recognises the importance of regional air carriers in providing connectivity across the UK but cannot comment on private companies' financial affairs. The Minister stressed the Government's commitment to levelling up the country by improving infrastructure and ensuring better economic opportunities for all regions. He expressed regret at not being able to provide more details due to commercial sensitivities and promised to update the House when appropriate.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
Flybe is an important regional airline, serving business and leisure travel needs. Caroline highlighted that Southampton airport employs many constituents and serves the wider region as a transport hub for the south-east. She expressed concern about Flybe's reported difficulties but welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing regional connectivity issues. She asked whether Ministers could expand on what might be achieved regarding air passenger duty and state aid rules, and inquired about the Minister's powers to protect key routes and staff.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Caroline for her work supporting Southampton airport. He confirmed that 94% of Southampton’s passengers are Flybe passengers and acknowledged the airport's importance. However, he did not comment on air passenger duty (APD), stating it is a matter for the Treasury.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
Andy congratulated Caroline Nokes on securing the urgent question. He acknowledged Flybe's importance but criticised the Government’s previous response to Thomas Cook, urging them not to repeat similar mistakes. Andy asked about the restructuring plan agreed upon by the Government, discussions with trade unions Unite and BALPA, and whether the new consortium sought assurances regarding Government assistance and APD intentions prior to acquisition.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Andy for his contribution and acknowledged Flybe's importance. He stated that the Secretary of State is involved in ongoing discussions but did not provide a running commentary on them. The Minister noted domestic aviation contributes 4% to UK aviation emissions, adding they are working hard on finding solutions regarding net zero targets.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Question
Thanked the Minister for constructive engagement on Flybe's situation. Emphasised the importance of Flybe to Cornwall Airport Newquay and highlighted that it is ordinary working people and small businesses in Cornwall that rely on this connection, both within the UK and internationally. Urged the Minister to ensure Flybe continues operating and expressed support if he can use his influence to cut Air Passenger Duty (APD). Asked whether the PSO route to Heathrow could be transferred if Flybe ceases operations.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that Newquay is highly dependent on Flybe, noting 74% of its passengers use the airline. Confirmed that the Department will continue to work with Cornwall County Council to ensure the continuity of PSO flights.
Alan Brown
SNP
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Asked about the impact assessment on connectivity loss if Flybe fails. Inquired about lifeline routes' status, assessed Heathrow slot options in case of failure, and questioned consumer protections for non-ATOL carriers. Criticised previous lack of intervention and sought comprehensive Government plans to tackle future collapses. Pressed for confirmation that APD revenues are not ring-fenced for climate change and expressed concern over market uncertainty's impact on bookings.
Minister reply
Stated Flybe remains a going concern, flights continue, and passengers should proceed as normal. Highlighted importance of Flybe beyond England to Scotland and its oil sector. Confirmed ongoing review of PSO policy within the UK and mentioned consultation with ACL on Heathrow slot availability. Reiterated consumer protection measures in place for package holidays under ATOL and credit card protections.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Question
Thanked the Minister for updates and emphasised that 94% of flights from Southampton are operated by Flybe, impacting local economy. Asked what measures will be taken to support this airline due to its importance to regional connectivity.
Minister reply
Reassured commitment to working hard on behalf of Flybe and improving regional connectivity across all modes as per the Prime Minister’s pledge.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West
Question
Criticised Government for lack of intervention in previous airline collapses, seeking assurance that lessons have been learned to protect passengers, support critical routes and prevent taxpayer-funded bailouts.
Minister reply
Rejected comparison with Thomas Cook collapse, acknowledged volatility in European airline market. Stated ongoing work on PSO flights.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Question
Expressed concern about short-term crisis impacting constituents during school half-term and longer term issues of uneven regulatory playing fields affecting regional airlines. Asked if Government would address these issues.
Minister reply
Acknowledged importance of regional airfields for connectivity, committed to examining all policy options.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
Suggested the climate emergency necessitates rapid changes in high-carbon sectors like aviation. Criticised bailing out polluting companies and urged Government to develop just transition plans for high-carbon industries, including rail connectivity enhancements.
Minister reply
Referred to efforts towards net zero emissions by 2050, mentioned consultation with Committee on Climate Change and future transport diversification initiatives.
Scott Mann
Con
Tendring
Question
Highlighted importance of London-Cornwall links for business meetings and tourism. Asked Minister to ensure these connections remain.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of PSO flights between Newquay and London, committed to working with Cornwall County Council.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Whitefield
Question
Critiqued new Flybe owners for acquiring airline at a low cost while destroying shareholder value. Asked if the Minister recognises that abolishing APD would increase tax revenue and benefit the economy.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Treasury's awareness of concerns regarding APD.
Huw Merriman
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Question
Suggested airlines should be allowed to continue operations during administration for more certainty. Asked if the Government would consider this reform in the insolvency review.
Minister reply
Confirmed support for airline insolvency Bill and work on improving consumer protection across the sector.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Asked if the Minister or Secretary of State have had direct conversations with Welsh Government regarding Cardiff airport's viability post-Flybe reductions.
Minister reply
Confirmed Departmental engagement with Civil Aviation Authority on discussions with devolved Administrations about impacts.
Simon Jupp
Con
East Devon
Question
Congratulates the Minister on securing the question. Highlights the importance of Flybe to his constituency and calls for cross-party work to ensure its future.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of Flybe in East Devon and agrees that efforts should be made on a cross-party basis.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Question
Asks about when legislation regarding airline insolvency will be brought forward. Queries the role of domestic aviation in transport networks and how it fits with decarbonisation plans.
Minister reply
States that the Bill is coming as soon as possible, recognising its complexity. Acknowledges the need for a balanced approach to decarbonisation.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Question
Congratulates the Minister on securing the urgent question and emphasises the importance of Flybe's routes to jobs and the economy in his constituency.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the significance of Flybe for regional airports, particularly those serving the oil and gas sector.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
Critiques the Minister's lack of focus on decarbonisation in his statement, urging him to factor climate change into his response.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of decarbonization and states that significant work is ongoing within the Department.
Question
Concerned about the impact on Birmingham airport employees and passengers due to Flybe's situation, requests reassurance from the Minister.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of Flybe to Birmingham airport and reiterates that the Government are working hard.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Asks about steps being taken to ensure domestic flights in the UK are environmentally friendly.
Minister reply
States that work is ongoing on alternative fuels and power for aviation as part of the transport decarbonisation plan.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
Highlights the impact of Flybe's partnerships with other airlines, such as Eastern Airways based in Humberside.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the point but refrains from going into detail about franchising arrangements.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
Expresses concern over the impact of Flybe's potential collapse on Manchester airport, referencing previous issues with Thomas Cook.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Manchester's interest in the matter and reassures that ACL is handling slot allocation.
Question
Requests reassurance that the Government will support Flybe until new legislation comes into force.
Minister reply
Reiterates that the Government are working hard to provide all possible support at this stage.
Question
Expresses concern over Flybe's impact on Teesside International airport and questions the Government’s past actions regarding regional development.
Minister reply
States confidence in Mayor Houchen's stewardship of the region but does not provide further assurances.
Question
Highlights the need for investment in rail to complement aviation, particularly trans-Pennine rail.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of rail connectivity and expresses interest in discussions about Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Question
Asks if the British Government has received any direct representations from the Welsh Government regarding Flybe's situation.
Minister reply
States that he is not aware of any such representations being made.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Asks what lessons have been learned from previous airline collapses, specifically Monarch and Thomas Cook.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that the cases are not as similar as some might think but states that monitoring of airlines is ongoing.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
Critiques the Government’s approach to supporting profitable airlines and questions whether it aligns with climate change commitments.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for reducing aviation emissions but urges patience until specific proposals are introduced.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Mr Speaker, The Bible says that 'the last shall be first, and the first last'.
Minister reply
Naturally I welcome the resumption of Stormont. I note the fact that 68% of passengers at Belfast City are Flybe passengers, so the company is clearly important there. I am in close contact both with the Northern Ireland Office and with the devolved Administration.
Shadow Comment
Caroline Nokes
Shadow Comment
The shadow Minister acknowledged Flybe's importance to regional connectivity, particularly for business and leisure travel. She highlighted Southampton airport’s significance as a transport hub in Hampshire, employing many constituents and serving the wider region. Caroline Nokes sought reassurance from the Government about finding practical solutions during this sensitive period. She questioned the potential impact of leaving the EU on state aid rules and asked about the Minister's powers to protect key strategic routes and staff jobs. She emphasised the need for every lever of government to ensure regional connectivity.
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