Asked by: Earl of Glasgow (Liberal Democrat - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the case for locating Britain's future international hub airport in Birmingham, rather than Heathrow or the South East; and if not, why not.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
In autumn 2012, the Airports Commission was established with a remit to identify the scale and timing of any requirement for additional capacity to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.
The Commission assessed 58 options for the provision of the additional airport capacity needed, including expanding Birmingham airport. In its interim report, the Commission concluded that expansion through the addition of one new runway in the South East of England was required by 2030. The Commission shortlisted three schemes; two at Heathrow Airport and one at Gatwick Airport and after carrying out further assessment and public consultation on all three schemes it unanimously recommended a new Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport in combination with a significant package of measures to address its environmental and community impacts.
The Government received the Commission’s final report in July 2015 and in December 2015, following a review of the Commission’s work, the Government accepted the need for one new runway in the South East of England. Following a period of further work, the Government announced its preference for the Heathrow Northwest Runway scheme in October 2016.
The Airports National Policy Statement, which was designated on 26 June 2018, provides the primary basis for decision-making on development consent applications for a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport, clarifying what is required to enable development, whilst setting clear requirements to mitigate the impacts.
Asked by: Earl of Glasgow (Liberal Democrat - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they yet have any concrete plans for the development of HS3.
Answered by Baroness Kramer - Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Treasury and Economy)
In October this year, the Secretary of State for Transport, invited northern cities to come together and work with the government on the options for HS3, alongside a wider transport strategy for the north. This will include options, costs and a delivery timetable for a HS3 east west rail connection. An interim report will be produced next March.