Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that airlines operating in the UK meet their obligations in response to county court judgements, in the context of outstanding and unpaid county court claims.

The civil courts in England and Wales offer a number of different methods by which a creditor can enforce a judgment in their favour. These processes are designed to address different financial circumstances, and collectively they aim to make it as difficult as possible for the debtor to avoid their responsibilities. The choice of enforcement method lies entirely with the judgment creditor and it would not be appropriate for the Government to intervene in or comment on individual cases.

The UK has a regulatory framework in place to protect consumers whilst travelling by air, including seeking redress through Alternative Dispute Resolution and if necessary through the courts. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK’s specialist aviation regulator, is responsible for enforcing consumer laws for the collective interest of consumers and will take further action if required. The Government has been clear with industry on expectations to put consumers first and meet their legal obligations to their passengers.