Business of the House

Wera Hobhouse Excerpts

Thursday 2nd February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans)]

Order. May I just remind Members of Mr Speaker’s strictures on temperate language—Mr Blackman?

[Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD)]

The decision to allow Bristol airport’s expansion flies in the face of local democracy and action on net zero. The expansion will produce an extra 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, double what is currently emitted by the rest of Bristol’s transport. The Government’s planning rules have allowed this to happen, putting airport expansion ahead of net zero, although the Climate Change Committee recommended no net expansion of airport capacity. May we have a debate in Government time on how expanding airports such as Bristol accords with the UK’s net zero targets?

[Penny Mordaunt]

The hon. Lady has raised a matter that is clearly very important to her constituents. In all decisions such as this, we have to balance economic growth, and the ability to make the transition to a higher-wage economy and level up the country, with the legally binding net zero targets to which we are committed. I think that this matter has been largely dealt with at a local level, but I shall ensure that the relevant Department is aware of the hon. Lady’s concerns.