Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of airport expansion on meeting targets under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions.

My Department seeks to minimise the impact of aviation on people’s health and wellbeing, in the context of other government priorities. My officials are in regular contact on this issue with other government departments and their agencies, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The assessment of planning applications for airport expansion will take account of all relevant law, policy and other material considerations. This includes environmental and air quality assessments undertaken as part of the planning application process.

The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding commitments on carbon and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.