All 1 Debates between John Hayes and Paul Williams

Durham Tees Valley Airport

Debate between John Hayes and Paul Williams
Wednesday 22nd November 2017

(7 years ago)

Westminster Hall
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John Hayes Portrait Mr Hayes
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I am not sure that it would be appropriate for me to advise the Mayor on a local commercial matter. He did not seek my advice and I think that it would have been impertinent of me to offer it. I recognise that the Mayor has already made an outstanding contribution to the life, health and wellbeing of local people in Tees Valley, and I have every confidence that he will continue to do so. Indeed, we have already said that the airport matters—that is the essence of this debate. It is great that both local Members of Parliament, regardless of political party, and the Mayor are united, not only in their determination to do right by local people, but in their clear view that the airport is critical to local wellbeing.

Paul Williams Portrait Dr Paul Williams
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Will the Minister give way?

John Hayes Portrait Mr Hayes
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I do not normally take interventions from Members who are not dressed properly, but on this occasion—because I am feeling particularly generous—although the hon. Gentleman clearly is sartorially challenged, I will hear from him.

Paul Williams Portrait Dr Williams
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I thank the Minister for his generous comments. Does he therefore agree that it is time, as the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson) suggested, to draw a line under the idea that anyone will buy back Durham Tees Valley airport, and that we should all work together with the Mayor to get behind Peel’s plan for the future?

John Hayes Portrait Mr Hayes
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It would be vital that any deal done worked for all parties. I am sure the Mayor is very conscious of that—clearly, that has to be the case. In the discussions that he is having with the owners, with the Tees Valley Combined Authority and with other interested parties, I have no doubt that the interests of the locality will be at his heart; they always have been and I guess that they always will be. The Government are determined to ensure that regional airports thrive, and Durham Tees Valley has to be very high on that list because, as I have said, I am a great admirer of the local people and the local economy, and I know that we made the right decision on their behalf in that cause.

Question put and agreed to.