Disruption at Heathrow

Baroness Pidgeon Excerpts

Tuesday 25th March 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Buscombe (Con)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Pidgeon (LD)]

My Lords—

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Blake of Leeds) (Lab)]

It is the turn of the Lib Dems.

[Baroness Pidgeon (LD)]

My Lords, as we have heard, Heathrow is an important hub airport, yet this incident has led to its complete closure, causing so much disruption. Will the Government now focus on the infrastructure in and around Heathrow, and indeed other airports, to improve resilience—which we have been discussing—security and the passenger experience, rather than simply advocating expanding Heathrow and other airports?

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

Provided that a suitable proposition comes forward for the expansion of Heathrow, it is inevitable that all the things that the noble Baroness mentions will have to be considered in the round in that. I am sure that she also includes surface access to the airport and a good passenger experience. She will know that we await a proposition from Heathrow and/or any other interested parties in the expansion of Heathrow, but I have no doubt that, when that is received, consideration will be given to all the things that she talked about.