Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are planning, if any, to ensure that aviation is safe if and when the UK leaves the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

UK aviation has an excellent safety record and reputation and safety will continue to be a priority at the end of the transition period.

It is paramount that the safety and security of all passengers travelling in the UK and EU is not compromised under any circumstances and to make sure there is continuity and stability for passengers and industry.

The Prime Minister has been clear that our future relationship with the EU must not entail any application of EU law in the UK or CJEU jurisdiction. Continued UK participation in the EASA system would have been inconsistent with this approach.

The EU’s negotiating mandate does not allow for UK participation in EASA but does set out their ambition to agree cooperative aviation safety arrangements with the UK.

To this end, we want an aviation safety agreement with the EU that minimises regulatory burdens for the industry. Such an agreement will facilitate the recognition of aviation safety standards, maintain high safety outcomes and enable continued regulatory cooperation between the UK and EU.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority currently oversees most aspects of civil aviation safety in the UK. After the transition period the CAA will take on some additional functions from EASA and will continue to ensure that the UK has world-leading safety standards. The Department for Transport is closely monitoring the CAA’s progress to assume its new responsibilities and receives regular updates to ensure preparations are on track.

The CAA has been preparing for the possibility of leaving the EASA system since the EU referendum in 2016, including recruiting new staff across the organisation.

Outside of the EASA system, the UK will have the autonomy to regulate in a proportionate manner that effectively meets the needs of industry.