Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Transport on introducing a bespoke package of financial support for businesses and employees operating in the aviation and travel industries in response to the covid-19 pandemic.

The Chancellor speaks to his colleagues on a regular basis about a range of matters.

The Government recognises the challenging times facing the aviation and travel industries as a result of COVID-19. Firms experiencing difficulties can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital and flexibilities with tax bills and, where eligible, grant schemes and business rate holidays.

Firms in the aviation and travel industries will also be able to take advantage of the targeted package of measures the Chancellor announced as part of the Winter Economy Plan to support jobs and businesses through the Winter months, including the new Job Support Scheme.

The Government has also recently launched a new Global Travel Taskforce to support the travel industry and the safe recovery of international travel. The border quarantine measures in the UK are being kept under constant review, and where possible the Government has looked to open up travel corridors in order to facilitate increased travel.