Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will require the southern access to Heathrow to include significant improvements to the wider transport networks across south-west London, Surrey, and Hampshire, generating a significant shift away from road and private vehicle use, as set out in Southern Access to Heathrow: strategic objectives, published on 4 November 2019.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets. This will include considering the impacts for travellers from different regions, and the impact on the wider transport network in those regions.

The Government has been clear that expansion must be affordable and delivered in the best interest of passengers. Scheme costs should be minimised and financed through private funding, including any surface transport costs.

While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.

Found: parties to the agreement.19 2.2 UK process and timeline for signing and ratification Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon