Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that transport connections to Gatwick Airport remain fit for purpose; and if he will make a statement.

This Government recognises the importance of good transport connections to the success of airports and we are committed to further investment to improve such connections.

For Gatwick Airport, our Road Investment Strategy includes committed investment to deliver a major smart motorway project on the M23 between junctions 8 and 10, as well as improvements to the M25, and major enhancements to the A27 at Chichester, Arundel and Worthing.

Investment of on our rail network will see improvements to connectivity to Gatwick through the completion of the Thameslink Programme, improvements to Gatwick Airport Station and enhancement to the Brighton Mainline.

In addition, from December 2015, new rolling stock will be introduced on the Gatwick Express. The new stock will be designed specifically with the needs of airport users in mind.