Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Grayling and Fiona Onasanya

Thursday 5th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

As we plan infrastructure improvements over the coming years, I want us to look at how we best connect, in the most effective way possible, the ports upon which our country depends, both large and small. Of course, my hon. Friend will be aware that we are already demonstrating our commitment to improving the road network in his area, with the planned completion of the new link road up to the A30.

[Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) (Lab)]

The Government have moved from saying they want trade with the EU post Brexit to be tariff-free to saying that they want it to be as tariff-free as possible. In which sectors of the economy and industry does the Secretary of State think it will be acceptable for there to be tariffs?

[Mr Speaker]

In relation to ports.

East Coast Main Line

Debate between Lord Grayling and Fiona Onasanya

Wednesday 16th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) (Lab)]

Three times in under a decade private companies have failed the east coast main line. It was successfully managed by a public company between 2009 and 2015. Why will the Secretary of State not accept that obvious solution to the problems faced by the east coast main line?

[Chris Grayling]

I do not believe that that is the long-term answer. We are actually taking the line back into state control now. The whole point is that, during those years, the railway contributed less to the public purse, had lower levels of satisfaction and employed fewer people than it does today, and there must be a lesson in that as well.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Grayling and Fiona Onasanya

Thursday 19th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Fiona Onasanya (Peterborough) (Lab)]

5. What assessment he has made of the potential effect on the aviation sector of the UK leaving the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)]

We want our future relationship with the European Union to be mutually beneficial. It is in the interests of both sides to maintain closely integrated aviation markets. However, it is the Government’s responsibility to prepare for all potential outcomes. The Government continue to work closely with the aviation sector to ensure the industry continues to be a major success story for the British economy.

[Chris Grayling]

My right hon. Friend makes a good point. Those with any concerns about 2019 just have to answer the question: how many hotels in Spain would be empty if the Spanish Government choose not to continue our aviation arrangements? That is why we will continue to make good progress towards satisfactory arrangements for the future.

[Fiona Onasanya]

In light of that answer, can the Secretary of State give an assurance that the Government will pursue an unchanged operating environment for the aviation sector in the Brexit negotiations with the EU?

[Chris Grayling]

I can give the hon. Lady that assurance. We believe it would benefit all the nations of Europe to continue the freedom of the aviation sector that we have seen over the past decade and more. That freedom particularly benefits regional economies and regional airports across the European Union, in this country and elsewhere. It would be foolish for anyone to try to stop that freedom.