Airport Expansion

Lord Hendy Excerpts

Monday 3rd February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords, in responding to my honourable friend in the other place, Siân Berry, on the question of how this could possibly fit within the Government’s legal climate commitments, the Government suggested that the answer was sustainable aviation fuel. That currently represents less than 0.1% of aviation fuel, and it would take an awful lot of fried fish and chips if we were going to rely on used cooking oil. Does the Minister stand by the claim that somehow we will see a massive explosion in sustainable aviation fuel?

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

I suggest that “a massive explosion in sustainable aviation fuel” is probably not what the noble Baroness meant literally. But seriously, the answer is yes, as this country can be a leader in sustainable aviation fuel, which can support thousands of jobs, and the plan is for it to make up a much larger proportion of total aviation fuel. The Government are committed to our legal obligations to reach net zero in 2050, as set out in the Climate Change Act. The analysis that my department has done suggests that a third runway is compatible with net zero, because sustainable aviation fuel will make a difference. The Government are proceeding with it, and there is a lot of investment in advanced fuels to get technology to move forward.

[Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Lab)]

My Lords, does my noble friend the Minister agree that airport growth can be a great stimulus to the local economy, especially in places such as Doncaster Sheffield Airport? The airport closed under the previous Government but I was pleased to see it mentioned by the Chancellor in her speech. Can he assure me that his department will do all it can to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport?

Franchising Schemes (Franchising Authorities) (England) Regulations 2024

Lord Hendy Excerpts

Tuesday 5th November 2024 Grand Committee

[Lord Grayling (Con)]

Will the Minister allow me to probe that? The Red Book shows that the Department for Transport has probably had the worst settlement in the Budget, with barely an increase in either capital or revenue budgets taking place, so is this new money?

[Lord Hendy (Lab)]

I am citing sums which are available in 2025-26. I disagree with the noble Lord in conceptual terms that it is the worst settlement for years, to paraphrase him. It is a very good settlement, bearing in mind the state of the national finances. Indeed, in real terms, local government support has gone up by 3.2%. My point is that there is enough money here to support local bus services in local transport authorities in whatever way they want to provide them, and this statutory instrument allows them to provide them in more ways than they currently can. Also, as I just said about Manchester, and as I would say about a consistent network anywhere in towns and cities in Britain, if it is provided consistently and planned rationally, revenue will go up and that virtuous circle will enable more provision.

I hope that I have answered all the points that noble Lords made, but if not, I will be delighted to write.

In conclusion, the regulations we are considering give all types of local transport authorities in England, outside London, access to powers to franchise their bus services. This Government’s plan to improve buses starts here. Our next stage of reform will be the introduction of the buses Bill. This legislation will seek to make bus franchising even easier to deliver, devolve funding and improve accessible travel. It will also improve bus services for councils that choose not to franchise. The transformative work the Government are doing will turn the tide by giving communities the opportunity to better control local bus services and have a real say in building local transport networks that work for them.

Motion agreed.