Flybe

Debate between Baroness Vere of Norbiton and Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top

Tuesday 14th January 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

The noble Lord makes a very important point, but of course landing charges are set on a commercial basis.

[Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top]

My Lords, regional connectivity is very important, and I am pleased that the Government keep repeating that phrase. However, if you come from the north-east, there is the threat of the Flybe difficulties; LNER is now telling people not to travel north on two weekends out of the next six because of engineering works and disruptions; and there is now real uncertainty over the future of HS2 because of the Government’s announcements post the election. Does the Minister understand that regional connectivity is absolutely critical to the survival of the manufacturing industries of places such as the north-east when so many other things are against them? All these issues coming together spell really bad news for the north-east.

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

This Government are absolutely aware of all the issues that the noble Baroness has raised. We are taking a new look at regional connectivity to make sure that we are able to get people to where they want to be across all modes. She mentioned that the train service is sometimes out of service at weekends. Of course, that disruption is simply a function of the amount of money that we are putting in for maintenance and for enhancements.