Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Maynard Excerpts
Wednesday 4th March 2020

(4 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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The hon. Lady is absolutely right to raise the issue of stabbings and violent crime, which I agree with her are too high and must come down. That is one of the reasons why we are increasing the number of police officers in this country, and, as she will have heard in the House just now, in the west midlands that number is going up by 366 immediately.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con)
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The Prime Minister will be aware that, due to coronavirus, demand for air travel has decreased around the world. Is he aware that, due to slot allocation rules, there are perverse incentives for airlines to fly half-empty planes around the globe so as not to lose lucrative slots? Will he seek a derogation for UK airlines from these international rules, if only for the sake of the environment?

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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My hon. Friend raises a characteristically brilliant point, which I confess has not been drawn to my attention so far. I will look at it, and it certainly seems crazy that planes should be flying simply to retain the slots to which they are entitled, and we will see what we can do.