Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Oral Answers to Questions

Munira Wilson Excerpts
Monday 18th May 2020

(3 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Rachel Maclean Portrait Rachel Maclean
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Of course the Government would be concerned by the incidents that the hon. Gentleman mentions. Ensuring the safety of drivers making deliveries is of paramount importance, and the Government do not want anyone to feel unsafe or unsure about whether they have the necessary equipment to work safely. That is why detailed guidance has been issued to all transport workers, in conjunction with our colleagues in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Munira Wilson Portrait Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD)
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What recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of British Airways on its planned restructuring.

Kelly Tolhurst Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Kelly Tolhurst) [V]
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The Department and I are working with airlines, airports and unions to understand the full impact that covid-19 is having on the sector and its workers.

Munira Wilson Portrait Munira Wilson [V]
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Many of my constituents are long-serving members of British Airways staff, yet they face redundancy or being stripped of their terms and conditions, despite BA furloughing some 23,000 staff. Does the Minister think that is responsible behaviour by Britain’s flag carrier? What pressure is she bringing to bear on the company? Will she guarantee that any bail-out will come with stringent and binding conditions on reducing carbon emissions?

Kelly Tolhurst Portrait Kelly Tolhurst
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I understand that it is a worrying time for airline staff and their families. I have been speaking regularly with companies across the sector to encourage them to draw down on the unprecedented support package. Terms and conditions of employment are for negotiation between the employee and the employer, but we in the Department stand ready to support any workers affected.