Covid-19: UK-wide Discussions

Lord Davies of Gower Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con) [V]]

My Lords, the co-ordination between certain departments of Her Majesty’s Government and the devolved Governments of the UK has been a little confusing. Aviation is an example of a reserved matter. However, two weeks ago, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that general aviation could happen again because it was determined that the risk of contributing to increased infection was minimal. As a reserved matter, it follows that the DfT has a UK-wide responsibility for GA, yet only last week, pilots in Scotland were permitted to take to the skies while those in Wales and Northern Ireland are still waiting for the go-ahead. What discussions, if any, are taking place between the Government and the devolved Administrations about achieving a consistent UK-wide approach to general aviation?

[Lord True [V]]

My Lords, I fear that I am not a specialist in aviation matters, but I will write to the noble Lord on this important topic.