Debates between Victoria Atkins and Lord Grayling during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Monarch Airlines

Debate between Victoria Atkins and Lord Grayling
Monday 9th October 2017

(7 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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The right hon. Gentleman will know from his experience in Government that we take security issues very seriously. We have looked exhaustively at the issues around Sharm el-Sheikh. We have not yet taken the decision to resume flying there. I would love us to be able to take it, but we have to be mindful of the security concerns and the risks to the travelling public of the United Kingdom. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that as soon as we feel that we can take that step, we will. We hold back only for good security reasons.

Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins (Louth and Horncastle) (Con)
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This has been a massive exercise in repatriating citizens and our thanks should go to the Civil Aviation Authority and others that made it happen. Will the Secretary of State please confirm the cost of the repatriation exercise? Are insurers, credit card companies and banks playing their part in reimbursing the taxpayer?

Lord Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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We expect the total gross costs of the repatriation to be around £60 million. We will recover money from all those different groups, and I will in due course be able to tell the House exactly how much the taxpayer has contributed. However, my hon. Friend can be reassured that we are very focused on making sure that there is clear burden sharing, and that it is not only the taxpayer who pays.