Oral Answers to Questions

Patrick Grady Excerpts

Thursday 23rd February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

I am very sensitive to issues affecting not just people who live near the immediate approaches to airports, but those who live further away, such as my hon. Friend’s constituents. That is why I believe that the better use of air space, particularly with state-of-the-art technology rather than the methods of 40 or 50 years ago, will enable us to provide much more respite for individual communities that are currently affected by aircraft noise.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

7. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on inbound passengers at airports and ports across the UK.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

9. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on inbound passengers at airports and ports across the UK.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)]

The Government are considering potential impacts on the border as part of our preparations for negotiating our departure from the EU. It is too soon to say what arrangements will be needed, but we are very conscious of the interest of the transport industry in future arrangements. We remain committed to putting passengers at the heart of our transport policy.

[Patrick Grady]

Does taking back control of our borders mean that the 23 million inbound passengers from the EU who pass through our airports each year will be subject to full border checks? Is the Secretary of State aware of research by the Tourism Industry Council that shows that that would require the resources of UK Border Force to be increased by 200%? Will he assure us that those costs will not be met from the £350 million he promised for the NHS each week?

[Chris Grayling]

It is already the case that when an EU citizen arrives in this country, they have to show their passport. I do not envisage that changing in the future.