Airport Expansion

Debate between Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill and Earl Russell

Tuesday 25th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Earl Russell]

To ask His Majesty’s Government whether they intend to consult the Committee on Climate Change before taking decisions on airport expansion.

[The Minister of State, Department for Transport (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill) (Lab)]

The Government published their report on the Climate Change Committee’s latest progress report in December last year. The response makes it clear that we recognise the role for airport expansion where it provides economic growth and is compatible with our net-zero target and strict environmental standards. As part of the Airports National Policy Statement review, referred to by the Chancellor in her recent Statement, we will engage with stakeholders on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net-zero framework.

[Earl Russell (LD)]

This level of airport expansion is always going to be incompatible with our climate change commitments. It would undo all our work on climate change in under five years. When just 15% of the population is responsible for 70% of all flights, the Government must do more to curb demand. No economy in the world has grown from building runways alone. Meanwhile, in 2024, the green economy grew by 10%, adding £83 billion. Does the Minister agree that what is needed more than anything else are clear and consistent government policies on climate change and green growth, not this damaging policy confusion?