Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Heathrow Airport Expansion: Funding

Thursday 13 July 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Martin McDonnell asked whether recent discussions have taken place with stakeholders on funding the expansion of Heathrow airport, and the response stated that no such discussions would take place.
  • John Martin McDonnell inquired if the Secretary of State would meet with Heathrow's new chief executive to discuss infrastructure costs and ensure no public money subsidizes the project, to which it was replied that expansion would be privately financed and the Department has no position.
  • Louise Haigh questioned if the Secretary of State would protect airspace around Heathrow during Doncaster council negotiations with Peel, and the response indicated that the matter is under consideration and will be addressed in due course.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Transport Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses the funding for expanding Heathrow Airport, which includes significant infrastructure costs.

Question

Whether he has had recent discussions with relevant stakeholders on proposals for funding the expansion of Heathrow airport. The new chief executive at Heathrow Airport Ltd will meet and discuss costings of road and rail infrastructure, estimated between £10 billion to £20 billion. Will he ensure not a penny of taxpayers' money subsidises the profits?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The answer is no.

Not addressed: Did not address whether he would discuss funding or costings with the chief executive.

How: Short, Non-Committal Answer

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Q2 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Transport
Context

Concerns about the cost implications for taxpayers when expanding Heathrow Airport, including significant infrastructure investments.

Question

When meeting with the new chief executive at Heathrow Airport Ltd, will he discuss the £2 billion offered by Heathrow and the potential costs of £10 to £20 billion for infrastructure expansion? Will he ensure not a penny of taxpayers' money subsidises the profits?

Answer from Jesse Norman

Any expansion is a private sector project financed by private finance, and the Department has no position on this matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to ensuring no taxpayer funds will be used for subsidising profits.

How: Hedging Language

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Q3 Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley
Environment
Context

The temporary closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport raises concerns about the protection of its airspace during negotiations.

Question

Will the Secretary of State protect the air space around the airport while Doncaster council negotiates with Peel on a lease?

Answer from Jesse Norman

The issue is recognised, and local stakeholders have put forward questions. The matter is under consideration and will be responded to in due course.

Not addressed: Did not commit to taking immediate action to protect the airspace.

How: Under Consideration

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