(3 weeks, 1 day ago)
Commons Chamber
Heidi Alexander
I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on levering in a question on air passenger duty into a statement on HS2.
The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
My hon. Friend is right; the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) never misses an opportunity. I am very concerned about ensuring that connectivity between the UK mainland and Northern Ireland remains and that it is reliable and affordable for people. I will be sure to talk further to the hon. Gentleman about what more can be done—aside from air passenger duty, which is a matter for the Treasury. If there is anything that my Department can do to improve the situation for his constituents, I will be only too happy to talk to him.