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AIRPORT CAPACITY
25 October 2016
Lead MP
Chris Grayling
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTransportClimateNorthern IrelandParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 73
At a Glance
Chris Grayling raised concerns about airport capacity 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK requires additional airport capacity in the south-east, as recognised by the independent Airports Commission which concluded that a new north-west runway at Heathrow presents the strongest case. The Government accepts this recommendation subject to a package of measures to mitigate environmental impacts and support local communities. This decision is expected to deliver significant economic benefits over 60 years, including up to £61 billion in gains for the UK economy.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
The Government has accepted the Airports Commission's recommendation to expand Heathrow with a new north-west runway, alongside measures to address air quality and noise impacts on local communities. The expansion is projected to deliver up to £61 billion in economic benefits over 60 years and strengthen UK connectivity globally.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Although I thank the Secretary of State for giving me advance sight of his statement, it cannot pass without comment that this decision has been widely leaked throughout the media during the past number of hours in advance of it being sent to me and of being announced to the House. It is simply unacceptable for such a decision to be announced in this manner; it is totally disrespectful to Members and the House... The Government must ensure that we do not fall short of our legal climate change obligations. We have but one planet, and it is essential that the UK plays a leading role in ensuring that agreed reductions in carbon emissions are met.
Chris Grayling
Con
13:21:00
I will start with the point about the announcement. You know, Mr Speaker, how seriously I, as a former Leader of the House, take such issues... We have capacity at Stansted, and new routes have come into Heathrow and Gatwick in the past 12 months. We are not preventing the airports around London that still have capacity...
Richard Burden
Lab
13:21:00
You’re not doing anything!
Alan Haselhurst
Con
Saffron Walden
Concerned about the pressure on Stansted airport due to Heathrow expansion and seeks assurance that recommendations of the West Anglia task force will be implemented promptly.
Drew Hendry
SNP
Inverness Nairn Highland Caithness
Welcomes Heathrow as a preference but criticises previous indecisiveness. Requests commitments to route support, biofuels, and airspace modernisation for Scotland.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Reaffirms the commitment to Scotland's interests in airport expansion. Defends adherence to parliamentary procedures and promises a comprehensive UK-wide approach.
Zac Goldsmith
Green
Richmond Park
Opposes the decision, predicting environmental harm and delays due to complexities.
Lilian Greenwood
Lab
Nottingham South
Supports the expansion but urges for measures to protect regional connectivity post-Brexit EU slot regulations.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Promises a detailed discussion on regional airport slots and international flights, with commitments to protecting UK-wide connectivity.
Stephen Hammond
Con
Cheadle
Questions the amount of taxpayer support required for the third runway and associated surface works. Asks for clarification on funding obligations.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Reiterates that Heathrow will be committed to a plan avoiding road transport increase and enhancing public transport access, funded by the private sector.
Nigel Dodds
DUP
Belfast North
Welcomed the decision to expand Heathrow, highlighting its benefits for Northern Ireland in terms of job creation and investment. Raised concerns about the impact on infrastructure funding through the Barnett formula.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Defended the decision to focus on Heathrow expansion, emphasising potential economic benefits for Northern Ireland and commitment to consulting on various aspects such as domestic connectivity. Acknowledged Gatwick's role but stated Heathrow was ultimately chosen due to its superior capacity.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Congratulated the decision, noting that while Gatwick expansion had improved Heathrow's proposition, it was impractical. Asked for Gatwick management to return to previous priorities post-scheme conclusion.
Seema Malhotra
Lab Co-op
Feltham and Heston
Questioned the downgrading of an independent aviation noise body recommendation by the commission. Sought clarification on plans for managing noise and engaging affected communities, such as in Hounslow.
Graham Brady
Con
Altrincham and Sale West
Emphasised the importance of world-class infrastructure for a global trading nation. Raised concerns about high aviation taxation levels affecting international competitiveness.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Criticised the decision's incompatibility with UK climate change goals, pointing out that even without expansion there will be significant growth by 2050. Questioned how this could align with environmental objectives.
Cheryl Gillan
Con
Chesham and Amersham
Welcomed the decision's economic benefits for Buckinghamshire but sought an assessment of cumulative effects on local economy from simultaneous major projects like HS2 and Heathrow expansion.
Andy Burnham
Lab
Leigh
Argued that transport elsewhere has been neglected due to focus on London and south-east. Called for a clear timetable for HS3 in the autumn statement, linking Manchester Airport with northern cities.
Tania Mathias
Con
Brecon and Radnorshire
Believed the decision misguided and potentially harmful to national interests. Asked for assurance on adequate scientific data during consultation and scrutiny phases.
Hannah Bardell
SNP
Livingston
Asked for inclusion in discussions about an independent aviation noise authority, highlighting concerns over flight path trials causing significant disruption in her constituency.
Roger Gale
Con
Thanet South
Congratulated the decision and highlighted current loss of passenger and freight traffic to European airports due to lack of capacity. Emphasised the importance of using available capacity efficiently.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Cadbury questioned why the Government prioritised commercial interests of Heathrow over health concerns, passenger costs, and taxpayer expenses.
Grayling defended the decision by stating that it was a commercial choice made by British Airways after assessing viability. He emphasised the need for expansion to support new trading opportunities and highlighted the national interest behind the decision, including support from devolved Administrations.
Quin congratulated Grayling on a decision rooted in national interest and asked about Heathrow's support from devolved Administrations.
Bradshaw highlighted Heathrow's advantages for the south-west of England but criticised the lack of policies to tackle road transport emissions.
Kwarteng commended Grayling and requested assurance regarding environmental impact and noise control considerations.
Flint welcomed the decision as good news for her region but raised concerns about disparity in infrastructure investment compared to Yorkshire and other northern regions. She invited the minister to discuss regional airport opportunities with MPs from those areas.
Beresford supported the expansion, noting its economic benefits, while calling for modernisation of airspace usage that would benefit Gatwick as well.
Shuker suggested ensuring collective responsibility in future votes related to Heathrow expansion across party lines.
Afriyie expressed concern over the negative impact of Heathrow expansion on his constituents, homes, and noise levels while questioning if facts could lead to reconsideration during consultation period.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson welcomed assurances about extra slots and routes for Northern Ireland but sought clarification on safeguarding slots and Barnett consequentials.
Howarth congratulated the Government while expressing personal preference for a Heathrow hub scheme over expansion, questioning why Gatwick's future was not addressed.
Chris Grayling
Con
Epsom and Ewell
Mr Grayling defended the decision to proceed with a third runway at Heathrow, stating that it will not create significant air pollution or impose catastrophic congestion. He argued that the expansion is in the interest of the United Kingdom, highlighting its importance for business and connectivity.
Oliver Letwin
Con
Woking
Mr Letwin acknowledged previous skepticism towards Heathrow expansion but now supports it as a necessary long-term investment for the UK's future, particularly in light of Brexit. He emphasised the need to look beyond immediate issues and secure a link with the east.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Mr Efford raised concerns about inadequate protections from noise pollution at City airport after expansion, questioning the Government's commitment to environmental protections. He urged for legally binding requirements before granting permission for expansion.
North Cotswolds
Mr Clifton-Brown welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement but highlighted the need for railway links to reduce emissions and improve connectivity between airports.
Rob Marris
Lab
Wolverhampton South West
Mr Marris opposed airport expansion, arguing that it would increase carbon emissions contrary to climate change goals. He urged the Government to reconsider their stance on encouraging air travel and freight.
Mark Harper
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Mr Harper supported the decision for Heathrow expansion, emphasising its importance to the south-west of England. He requested a commitment to regional connectivity and easy access to the airport for people in his constituency.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
Mr Slaughter echoed Prime Minister's previous opposition to Heathrow expansion, expressing doubt over its viability due to significant local opposition. He urged keeping Gatwick as an alternative option.
Paul Scully
Con
Dulwich and West Norwood
Mr Scully welcomed the quick decision by the Secretary of State but regretted excluding Gatwick from options. He requested a re-evaluation of the Gatwick option for short-term deliverability.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Ms McKinnell welcomed the decision, emphasising its importance to Newcastle airport and connectivity with the UK. She urged for urgency in executing the expansion amid Brexit uncertainty.
Stephen Crabb
Con
Preseli Pembrokeshire
Mr Crabb supported the decision's relevance to Wales and the UK, enquiring about specific powers available for maximising opportunities for labour pool, supply chain, and steel industry.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Welcomes the Transport Secretary’s statement on Crossrail and Heathrow expansion, asking when the third runway will be open for business.
Announces that the third runway is expected to be operational in around nine years due to the extensive process of regulatory procedures, design complexity, land acquisition, site preparation, and construction. Emphasises that although the decision has been delayed for years, the new Prime Minister and he wish to proceed quickly while ensuring thorough understanding before making a final decision.
Welcomes the Government's confirmation of expanding Heathrow as recommended by the Airport Commission. Asks for assurances that surface access to Gatwick will continue to be enhanced, particularly in relation to rail routes.
Highlights connectivity to Heathrow as essential for Greater Manchester and beyond. Emphasises the need for new point-to-point routes with emerging economies from other international gateway airports such as Manchester, questioning how this will be encouraged.
Welcomes the expansion's benefits to British business and trade but raises concerns about environmental impacts and carbon emissions. Asks what incentives are being considered for businesses to comply with international commitments on reducing carbon emissions.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Questions whether the Secretary of State will commit to having route connectivity and public service obligation support between Dundee airport and Heathrow, in light of today’s announcement that expanding Heathrow is in the national interest.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Welcomes the signal sent by this decision that Britain is open for business but asks for reassurance on minimising any administrative and judicial burdens that may slow down the project, considering competition from countries like China and South Korea.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Welcomes the Government’s support for Heathrow expansion but questions how robust planning and consultation processes will ensure delivery within nine years.
Views this decision as long overdue, criticising previous Labour Prime Ministers for delaying the process. Asks why other airport expansions like Birmingham International and Gatwick cannot be discussed now.
Danny Kinahan
13:21:00
Welcomes today’s announcement but asks if we can keep the door open to expansion at Gatwick, to ensure that all regional airports are maximised for benefit.
Asks for assurance that the blight to homes caused by the threat of a peninsula or estuary airport is now over as these proposals are dead.
Jonathan Edwards
13:21:00
Questions whether any public money used for associated transport infrastructure will result in full Barnett consequentials and if TfL-identified routes would be fully funded by private sources.
Asks about the extent of existing congestion on the M25 north and south of Heathrow, questioning whether anything will be done as part of Heathrow's expansion to improve capacity on the M25 so that people can get to and past the airport.
Sue Hayman
Lab
Workington
Welcomes the commitment to develop new connections to regional airports but raises concerns about accessibility from west Cumbria to Heathrow, questioning whether Carlisle airport could benefit.
Richard Drax
Con
South Dorset
Congratulates the Secretary of State on the statement and seeks confirmation regarding direct rail links from the south-west to Heathrow.
Ian Murray
Lab
Edinburgh South
Welcomes the decision but asks for guarantees that regional airports will have additional slot capacity, advocating for an ongoing assessment of their ability to attract direct routes post-expansion.
David Nuttall
Con
Bury Nord
Welcomes the statement and urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to consider zero or reduced passenger duty rates on new routes from regional airports such as Manchester.
Alan Brown
SNP
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Urges the Secretary of State to involve relevant parties in establishing a logistics hub at Prestwick airport, suggesting its consideration for the spaceport decision.
James Berry
Con
Kingston upon Thames
Questions whether the final decision will be made here in this House and expresses concern that Heathrow is the worst of choices available to constituents.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomes the statement, emphasising the importance of maintaining vital links between Northern Ireland’s businesses and clients globally via Heathrow.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Asks for similar decisiveness in supporting new long-haul routes from Manchester airport and other transport infrastructure investments in the north of England.
Tom Pursglove
Con
Corby
Questions the weight given to UK supply chains benefit when making the decision, highlighting positive impacts on steel towns like Corby.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Warns about potential court challenges and seeks assurance that legislative remedies are considered to ensure democratic decisions prevail.
Rehman Chishti
Con
Gillingham East
Welcomes the Secretary of State's statement, praising the work of the independent Davies commission for rejecting alternative options such as an estuary airport.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Calls for assurance regarding Gatwick airport issues and seeks clarification on extending night flight bans to mitigate noise pollution in affected areas.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torquay
Kevin Foster congratulated the Secretary of State for a decision that will benefit Torbay businesses exporting seafood via Heathrow and emphasised the urgency to resolve the dualling of the A303 and the Stonehenge issue.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Chris Grayling agreed with Kevin Foster's point about the importance of resolving infrastructure issues such as the A303. He also committed to ensuring that regional airports like Leeds Bradford have increased access and emphasised affordability in implementing changes.
Julian Sturdy
Con
York Outer
Julian Sturdy highlighted the need for regional connectivity, urging the Secretary of State to provide more information on how many additional slots will be available for regional airports and emphasised that landing charges must not harm internal flights.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Stuart Andrew welcomed the commitment about regional connectivity, suggesting a rail link to Leeds Bradford airport, and asked the Secretary of State for a conversation on this matter.
Government Response
EconomyTransportClimateNorthern IrelandParliamentary Procedure
Government Response
I will start with the point about the announcement. You know, Mr Speaker, how seriously I, as a former Leader of the House, take such issues... We have capacity at Stansted, and new routes have come into Heathrow and Gatwick in the past 12 months. We are not preventing the airports around London that still have capacity... Defended the decision, stating it would greatly benefit Northern Ireland's economy and that Gatwick airport will continue to play an important role despite the rejection of its expansion plan. Emphasised ongoing work with interested parties on independent noise monitoring and consultation processes. Grayling defended the decision as essential for economic growth and connectivity. He emphasised support from various stakeholders and provided specific examples such as electric vehicle production in Sunderland, indicating active measures to address air quality issues. The Minister defended the decision to proceed with Heathrow expansion, emphasising its economic benefits and connectivity. He assured commitments for environmental protections, regional connectivity, and value-for-money procurement practices. Responds extensively to questions raised by MPs regarding timelines, environmental impacts, connectivity, regional airports, public money usage for infrastructure, and road congestion around Heathrow.
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