Asked by: Liam Fox (Conservative - North Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of railway strikes on growth.
Answered by Huw Merriman - Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The industry is making considerable efforts to keep as much of the railway running for passengers and freight. However, strikes have a hugely negative impact, and come at a significant cost to our economy, affecting a wide range of businesses and sectors.
My Department is taking part in regular roundtables and discussions with those industries most disrupted by industrial action, so we understand the concerns of businesses and passenger groups
Asked by: Liam Fox (Conservative - North Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his timeframe is for making a cumulative environmental impact assessment for (a) all UK airports, (b) UK regional airports and (c) total aviation emissions.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
Airport planning applications should be judged by the relevant planning authority, taking careful account of all relevant considerations, including environmental impacts and proposed mitigations.
In July 2021, we published the Jet Zero Consultation which outlines our vision for the aviation sector to reach net zero by 2050. The consultation focuses on the rapid development of technologies in a way that maintains the benefits of air travel whilst maximising the opportunities that decarbonisation can bring to the UK. We continue to carefully consider the consultation responses in the development of the final Jet Zero Strategy which is to be published later this year and will set out the framework for reducing aviation emissions from the sector.
Asked by: Liam Fox (Conservative - North Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress he has made on reopening the Portishead railway line.
Answered by Chris Heaton-Harris - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Reopening the railway line from Bristol to Portishead is being led and funded by the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council as Phase 1B of MetroWest. The Department for Transport has committed to make a capped funding contribution of £31.9m towards the scheme. My Department expects to receive the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation regarding the scheme’s Development Consent Order shortly and on which the Secretary of State will need to give his decision.
Asked by: Liam Fox (Conservative - North Somerset)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate he has made of the economic and social contribution of Bristol Airport to (a) the Exchequer and (b) local communities; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Robert Goodwill
The Government's Aviation Policy Framework, published in March 2013, recognised the contribution that airports across the UK – such as Bristol Airport – make to local, regional and national economies, and the important role they play an in securing connectivity for local populations. Bristol Airport handled over six million passengers during 2013, has direct air services to over one hundred destinations, and its on-site businesses provide valuable employment for approximately three thousand people.
Last month the independent Airports Commission published a call for evidence on the domestic and international air connectivity provided by airports across the country. It also examines connectivity trends at these airports, how the business models of these airports are developing, and whether the connectivity provided by these airports can be enhanced.