Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their latest estimate of the cost of building each stage of the HS2 railway.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
As set out in the latest 6-monthly Parliamentary report published in March 2021, the total estimated cost ranges for each Phase is as follows:
Phase One: £35bn - £45bn
Phase 2a: £5bn – £7bn
Phase 2b: £32bn – £46bn*
The numbers include contingency to accommodate unforeseeable cost pressures which may emerge during construction, as is to be expected with all major infrastructure projects.
*Validation of the Phase 2b cost range is ongoing and will be updated to support the bringing forward of separate legislation for the HS2 route into Manchester, in line with the conclusions of the Oakervee Review. The range provided excludes scope intended to be funded by other sources such as Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will require HS2 to publish (1) the number of trees they have removed, (2) the number of trees they have planted, and (3) the areas where these changes have been made.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
(1) HS2 Ltd does not specifically record or count individual trees removed or required for clearance, as recording is undertaken on an area basis (measured by hectare).
(2) As part of Phase One alone, HS2 Ltd will plant up to seven million trees and shrubs. Over 700,000 of those trees have already been planted. The area of new woodland will be well in excess of that which is lost. HS2 is creating more than 3300 hectares (33 square kilometres) of new woodland, wildlife and river habitats alongside the line from the West Midlands to London.
(3) Woodland areas to be lost as a result of HS2’s construction, and also those sites to be used for woodland creation, are described in the relevant Environmental Statement, published alongside the relevant legislation for each phase of the project.
Further updates on HS2 Ltd’s environmental performance, including with respect to the loss of ancient woodland and associated compensation response, will be published in the autumn.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to charter aircraft for tourists wishing to visit (1) St Helena, (2) Ascension, (3) Falkland Islands, and (4) any other 'green list' territories which have no current regular air services, in order to boost the tourism sector in those territories.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government has no plans to charter additional aircraft for tourists wishing to visit St Helena, Ascension, the Falklands Islands or any other current 'green list' territories.
The destinations which airlines fly to is a commercial decision for the airline.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk of (1) damage, or (2) pollution, to (a) the Mid Chilterns aquifer, (b) the River Misbourne, and (c) Shardeloes Lake, caused by HS2's work in the area.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
HS2 Ltd’s construction activities in the area have been the subject of comprehensive and detailed risk assessments. This reflects HS2 Ltd’s commitment to Parliament to protect the water environment. The risk assessments have been produced with oversight and advice of technical experts from the Environment Agency and Affinity Water. HS2 Ltd will not commence construction within the aquifer until the Environment Agency and Affinity Water are satisfied that required mitigation measures are in place for any identified potential risks.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to remove Mauritius from the 'red list' of countries from which entry to the UK is banned; and if they have no such plans, when they expect to review that country's position on the list.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The decision to place Mauritius on the red list on 9 January was in direct response to scientific and medical data, which represents an increased risk to UK public health and an increased risk of community transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern identified in other countries. These are intended to be temporary measures and the Government keeps data for countries and territories under constant review.
The Government has made it consistently clear that it will take decisive action to contain the virus, including adding further countries to the red list, or keeping countries on the red list, if the public health risk of people returning from a particular country without self-isolating becomes too high.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
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.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
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.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether those arriving into England from the United States must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival; and if not, why not.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
Currently, all arrivals from the US must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what countries and territories are currently under consideration for removal from their list of travel corridor exemptions in England.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
We keep the list of Travel Corridors under regular review.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ability of consumers to cancel and claim refunds for flights booked before the COVID-19 pandemic because one or more of their party have developed mental health difficulties resulting from the restrictions put in place to address the pandemic.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government recognises the challenges businesses and consumers are experiencing regarding refunds for cancelled holidays and flights. Airlines are working hard to answer the high call volumes and to process the very large number of applications for refunds.
The Government appreciates the frustration consumers may be experiencing. We have been clear with industry that when consumers are entitled to a refund and ask for one, refunds must be paid. The Department for Transport is in regular conversation with UK airlines and wider membership bodies, and is working closely with the sector, the regulator and consumer groups to help ensure airlines deliver on their commitments.
The safety and well-being of consumers is paramount. However, where a consumer had made the decision to cancel their flight, any refunds or rearrangement of travel would be a matter for the airline in question and its policy in relation to refunds and/or booking amendments. In addition, the consumer’s travel insurance or credit card provider may also be able to provide assistance in such cases. Consumers are advised to check with their travel insurance or credit card providers as they may be able to seek redress.
Asked by: Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the offer from the government of Greece to waive the 14-day quarantine for British tourists; and what discussions they have had with airlines about this offer.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
On Wednesday 20th May, Greek PM Mitsotakis announced that Greece envisions a two-stage relaxing of measures for travellers wishing to enter Greece. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials have been in regular contact with the Greek government throughout the COVID19 crisis including about future arrangements and those talks will continue.
Department for Transport officials continue to work closely with their international counterparts, and the aviation sector, as they respond to the crisis and discuss all aspects of restart and recovery.