Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 30 June 2022 · 20 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Martyn Day asked about potential aviation disruption this summer, expressing concern over millions of families looking forward to holidays post-pandemic.
  • Martyn Day questioned the Prime Minister's green bus pledge, suggesting it might not be met as planned.
  • Giles Watling pressed the Secretary of State for a commitment to upgrading Haughley junction, crucial for rail connectivity in the area.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martyn Day SNP
Transport
Context

Millions of families are looking forward to holidays after pandemic restrictions, but there is concern about potential aviation disruption this summer following scenes at Easter and half term. The government announced easing of travel restrictions over 100 days ago.

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities regarding the potential for aviation disruption this summer. Millions of families are looking forward to holidays after pandemic restrictions, but there is concern about potential disruption following scenes at Easter and half term. The government announced easing of travel restrictions over 100 days ago.

Answer from Grant Shapps

I know the whole House will share our concerns about the potential for aviation disruption this summer. Millions of families are looking forward to getting away on holiday, which is perhaps the first one they have had since the pandemic. We appreciate that the airports are busy as they recover, but the last thing we want is a repeat of the scenes that we saw at Easter and half term. Let me stress that there is absolutely no excuse for further widespread disruption. It is more than 100 days since we announced the easing of travel restrictions; further to support the industry as it prepares for the summer, I am today announcing, with a written ministerial statement to the House, a 22-point plan to help recruit and retain staff, and improve resilience, so that disruption to passengers this summer is minimised, and if delays do unfortunately occur, so that travellers get properly compensated. Those measures are what we are doing, and we look to the aviation sector to do its part.

Answered
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Q2 Martyn Day SNP
Transport Climate
Context

The Scottish Government have ordered more buses per capita than the UK government. There is concern about whether the Prime Minister's green bus pledge will be met.

Question

My constituents who work at the Alexander Dennis Limited factory in Camelon, along with many others throughout the industry, suspect that the Prime Minister's green bus pledge will not be met. In the same timeframe, the Scottish Government have, per capita, ordered the equivalent of more than three times as many buses as the UK Government's figure. Will the 4,000 buses be on the roads by the end of this parliamentary term?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Yes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specifics or commitments about when the 4,000 buses will be on the roads by the end of this parliamentary term.

How: Vague Affirmation

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Q3 Giles Watling Con
Transport
Context

The hon. Friend has raised concerns about upgrading Haughley junction, an important connectivity point in the east.

Question

I thank the Minister of State for her recent response regarding the much needed upgrade of Haughley junction. I am sure that those on the Front Bench will be fed up with me banging on about this, but will the Secretary of State commit, right now, to upgrading Haughley and other important connectivity junctions in the east, such as Ely, so that we do not lose out on the levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Wendy Morton

I have spoken to my hon. Friend several times, including recently, about that scheme, and he is a keen campaigner for getting faster and more reliable trains from Clacton to London. We want to provide as much certainty as possible on rail enhancements, and we will set out our plans, including our proposals on Haughley junction, in the upcoming update to the rail network enhancement pipeline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not commit to specific actions or timelines for upgrading Haughley and other important connectivity junctions.

How: Vague Commitment

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Q4 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Transport
Context

The Secretary of State was absent during the last oral questions, and there were issues with aviation chaos over Easter and jubilee weekend. EasyJet has announced potential cancellations.

Question

It is my great pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State to oral questions today, because he was absent without leave last time, and he is missing in action when it comes to aviation. He mentioned the chaos over Easter and the jubilee weekend, but he did not hold one meeting with aviation bosses during that time. Now EasyJet, among others, has announced that it could cancel 10,000 flights in the next three months. The Secretary of State needs to step up to the plate. He needs to go to the Prime Minister, knock on the door, and clean up the mess.

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am not sure what the question was. During the last oral questions, I was taking on the UK presidency of the International Transport Forum, which is the world's most important international transport body. If the hon. Gentleman does not think that a Secretary of State should be doing that, he is very mistaken indeed.

Not addressed: The answer changes subject to his absence and role in International Transport Forum rather than addressing aviation disruptions.

How: Changing The Subject

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Q5 Peter Aldous Con
Transport Climate
Context

There is growing alarm across East Anglia about whether the Government's long-term commitment to invest in Ely and Haughley junctions will be fulfilled.

Question

Leading on from my hon. Friend the Member for Clacton (Giles Watling), is my hon. Friend aware of the growing alarm across East Anglia about whether the Government's long-term commitment to invest in Ely and Haughley junctions will be fulfilled? That improvement to the rail network will have significant levelling-up benefits across East Anglia and beyond, improve services for both freight and passengers, and help achieve our legally binding decarbonisation targets. Will she confirm that the rail network enhancements pipeline will prioritise this much needed investment?

Answer from Wendy Morton

My hon. Friend has previously raised the issue of Haughley and Ely junctions with me. We remain committed to publishing the RNEP update, which has been delayed by the need to take account of the impacts of the pandemic and the spending review. However, I want to be in a position where we can provide as much clarity and certainty as possible. We will set out our plans shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not confirm prioritization of investing in Ely and Haughley junctions.

How: Vague Commitment

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Q6 Gavin Newlands SNP
Transport
Context

There is evidence that Inverness Airport was told by NATS it had no reason to intervene in a flight to Moscow.

Question

The Secretary of State will doubtless be aware of the existence of proof that Inverness airport, having proactively asked about the private jet flight to Moscow two days after the Russian invasion, was told by NATS that it had no reason to intervene and that it should expect contact from the Department for Transport on anything specific. He sought to embarrass Inverness airport and blame it publicly. Would he like to correct the record and apologise to Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd for his error?

Answer from Grant Shapps

As a pilot, I understand how NOTAMs—notices to aviation—work: they are the responsibility of either the pilot or the aviation operator, which in this case was the airport, to follow. There is simply no excuse for not following them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not address the specific request to correct the record and apologize.

How: Vague Statement

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Q7 Nickie Aiken
Transport
Context

There are more strike days on the tube under this Mayor than his predecessor, and there is concern about slashed bus services.

Question

With more strike days on the tube under this Mayor than his predecessor, his wanting to slash our bus services—in particular, the 24 and the 211 in my constituency—and with the Met now in special measures, does my right hon. Friend think it is time that the Department for Transport considers putting Transport for London in special measures?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My hon. Friend makes an interesting point. Labour Members constantly call on me to enter into direct negotiations with the unions. They may be able to tell us whether the Mayor of London has done the same thing with the RMT strikes. If he has, it has not worked. If he has not, why are they not calling on him to do that? To add to my hon. Friend's lengthy list of problems, I got a letter yesterday from the monitoring officer at the Greater London Authority, who says that she will be referring to the formal complaints process guidance as a result of the Mayor's releasing information about both the Elizabeth line and TfL in advance of the markets.

Not addressed: The answer deflects by questioning Labour Members' actions instead of addressing whether Transport for London should be put in special measures.

How: Changing The Subject

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Q8 Peter Dowd Lab Bootle
Transport Climate
Context

The Rimrose Valley Port of Liverpool access scheme is under construction and faces criticism for its environmental impact.

Question

Transport remains the UK's biggest generator of climate-wrecking carbon dioxide emissions. Does the Secretary of State agree that rather than pursuing an outdated, destructive road project such as the Rimrose Valley Port of Liverpool access scheme in my constituency, a complete rethink is needed and sustainable infrastructure is the only credible way forward?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

The hon. Member makes an important point, which is why we are investing £577 million in research and development on decarbonisation of transport, including programmes such as ADEPT live labs to reduce carbon emissions from bituminous materials and road making provisions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific Rimrose Valley Port of Liverpool access scheme was not addressed directly

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Q9 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

Heavy goods vehicles moving materials for High Speed 2 and East West Rail have damaged roads in north Buckinghamshire.

Question

Many of the roads in north Buckinghamshire are in a perilous state due to heavy traffic related to HS2 and East West Rail. Does my hon. Friend agree that construction companies should repair damages caused by their vehicles?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

My hon. Friend remains a doughty champion of his constituency and the state of its roads. I continue to work with him to ensure any damage caused by HS2 or East West Rail is put right, as the company has committed.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q10 Karen Buck Lab
Transport
Context

The Government cancelled meetings to discuss a long-term spending deal with Transport for London, causing concern among business leaders.

Question

We are back in another short-term extension of the TfL funding deal. Will the Secretary of State meet the Mayor to sort this out?

Answer from Grant Shapps

There have been numerous meetings with the Mayor, but he failed to bring forward his plan for pension reform and missed a deadline. The Mayor needs to start taking responsibility.

Not addressed: The question was about meeting the Mayor; instead, it focused on the Mayor's failures

How: Changing Subject

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Q11 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Transport
Context

Parents of a nine-year-old girl killed in a car accident want to discuss graduated driving licences with the Secretary of State.

Question

The parents of Emily, a nine-year-old girl killed in a tragic car accident, want me to ask what consideration has been given to graduated driving licences. Will he meet me to discuss dangerous roads in Rutland and Melton?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Reducing road deaths is important. We are working with National Highways and local highways authorities, and I will ensure my hon. Friend gets an urgent meeting with the Roads Minister.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of graduated driving licences was not addressed

How: General Principles

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Q12 Jessica Morden Lab Newport East
Transport
Context

Ministers agreed to meet the Member and campaigners for Magor rail station but have not responded despite follow-ups.

Question

During recent Transport questions, Ministers agreed to meet me and campaigners for Magor rail station. Please could we have that meeting?

Answer from Wendy Morton

I assure the hon. Lady my office has been trying to set up that meeting and will chase it.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q13 Felicity Buchan
Transport
Context

The Mayor of London is consulting on cutting 18% of London's bus routes, affecting constituents.

Question

The Mayor is consulting on cutting 18% of London's bus routes. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Mayor needs to stop these plans?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have provided £5 billion to TfL, but rather than tackling difficult issues like pension reform, the Mayor is cutting buses for Londoners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of stopping bus route cuts were not directly addressed

How: General Principles

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Q14 Peter Grant SNP
Transport
Context

An Inverness flight was allowed to go ahead despite regulations.

Question

The right hon. Gentleman is responsible for air transport compliance. Does he accept that Inverness airport asked if the flight could proceed, and it was told yes? He also failed to intervene. Is this due to a weakness in sanctions regulations?

Answer from Grant Shapps

No, no and no. For clarity, I will write a letter explaining how notices to airmen operate and should be followed.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q15 Jonathan Gullis
Transport
Context

The No. 7 bus, connecting various areas and serving the elderly and disabled, is at risk of being cut.

Question

The No. 7 bus connects several areas and serves vulnerable populations but is sadly at risk. Could my right hon. Friend ask the Bus Minister to hold an urgent meeting with me and local authorities?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I know that the Bus Minister will be delighted to meet my hon. Friend.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q16 Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East
Economy Transport
Context

The question arises from the context of rising costs and environmental concerns, contrasting UK transport policy with Germany's €9 monthly pass and Ireland's 20% fare reduction.

Question

The measures that this Government are taking will not even touch the sides of the cost of living crisis, and transport policies are no exception. By contrast, Germany offers a pass for all regional and local public transport for just €9 a month, and the Irish Government have cut fares by 20%. Will the Transport Secretary consider such bold measures to ease the financial pressures on people and tackle the climate emergency?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I know that the hon. Lady is passionate about transport issues. I saw that she was on the picket line last week, although that, unfortunately, stopped hard-working people getting to their jobs to earn a living. I also know she will be a big fan of the recent great British rail sale, which saved the public £7 million, with lots of tickets up to half price. That was massively successful, with about 1.5 million tickets sold. I hope to repeat such exercises.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding a low-cost monthly pass or fare reduction was not addressed.

How: Changed Subject To Her Presence At Picket Line, Mentioned Recent Rail Sale

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Q17 Jacob Young
Climate Energy
Context

The question is about the RTFO regulations to support hydrogen use in transportation.

Question

Will the Minister confirm that the DFT will use the upcoming Government response to the consultation on the renewable transport fuel obligation to fine-tune the regulations and stimulate the use of hydrogen in transport?

Answer from Trudy Harrison

It is an absolute pleasure to respond to Mr Hydrogen on this issue, because we in the Department share his enthusiasm for hydrogen in the transport sector. We are looking at the RTFO to see how it could support hydrogen in transport more effectively while working with colleagues across the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to do the same.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific action but acknowledged interest in supporting hydrogen use.

How: Acknowledged Interest Without Commitment

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Q18 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Transport
Context

The question pertains to the consultation process for the Poulton-le-Fylde to Fleetwood rail line reopening, following a funding announcement.

Question

I thank the Rail Minister, the hon. Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton), for her announcement on 18 June about more funding for the development of the line between Poulton-le-Fylde and Fleetwood. Will she reassure my constituents, who are important stakeholders in that potential reopening, that they will be consulted by Network Rail as plans develop?

Answer from Wendy Morton

I was really pleased that we were able to make that announcement. I assure the hon. Member that, as we continue with that, we will keep in touch with her and stakeholders as appropriate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific consultation mechanisms or timeline but promised communication.

How: Promised To 'Keep In Touch' Without Specifics

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Q19 Gareth Thomas Labour (Co-op) Harrow West
Transport
Context

The question addresses the cancellation of flights from Heathrow, with reported numbers affecting many passengers.

Question

There are media reports today that another 30 flights from Heathrow have been cancelled, with considerable disruption for many passengers. Many passengers have turned up to Heathrow not knowing that those flights were set to be cancelled, so it is disappointing that the Secretary of State has chosen not to initiate an oral statement on his response to the crisis. How many people does he think have been affected by the situation facing our airlines? And if he does not know, why not?

Answer from Robert Courts

We have made it absolutely clear that the scenes we have seen at airports are unacceptable and that we do not want a repeat of them. It is important to remember that the responsibility for ensuring the safe, efficient operation of airlines rests with the aviation sector. We have announced a 22-point plan today to make it clear what the Government are doing in support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an estimate or acknowledge need for oral statement.

How: Changed Subject To Safety And Efficiency Of Aviation Sector

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Q20 David Linden SNP
Employment Transport
Context

The question arises from a meeting with RMT Scotland workers on the picket line, where concerns were expressed about public vilification by the Secretary of State.

Question

On Saturday, I met RMT Scotland workers on the picket line at Glasgow central station and was incredibly proud to do so. One of the things they told me is that they are sick, tired and fed up of the Secretary of State vilifying them in public. Will he take this opportunity to apologise to RMT workers, our hard-working railway staff who keep the railways safe every day, and actually get around the table with them?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am happy to clear this up: I think that railway workers are very hard-working people who have been sold a duffer by their union bosses, who are hard-line—in many cases—Marxists who want to bring this Government down and bring the country to a standstill. It is a great shame that the hon. Member is encouraging that, rather than condemning it. Fortunately, they are paid well above the average in the country—£44,000 for the average railway worker compared with only £31,000 for a nurse.

Not addressed: Did not apologize and did not commit to meeting with RMT workers.

How: Attacked Union Bosses As Marxists, Compared Salary Levels

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