Asked by: Lord Kinnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the statement by the Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to UK Transport in Europe on 5 September 2017 that the CAA was undertaking no preparatory work to assume the responsibilities of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) after Brexit because “it would be misleading to suggest that’s a viable option”, what alternatives to EASA participation they are considering.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The Government and CAA have been clear that the preference is to remain a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). However, as a responsible regulator, the CAA continues to undertake a significant amount of preparatory work for all potential outcomes of the Brexit negotiations. This includes a scenario that would see the CAA taking on EASA’s responsibilities.
If membership of EASA is not achievable, then the CAA would adopt the existing EASA regulatory system, rather than develop a new framework from scratch. This will deliver a continuity of service in safety regulation.
Asked by: Lord Kinnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they have made, or are making, to ensure that the 75,000 UK road freight trucks which currently undertake commercial journeys within the other 27 member states of the EU are able to continue with their operations after Brexit, and are not limited by EU permit restrictions on third country operations.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The Government’s overall aim is to seek a liberalised access for commercial haulage through the negotiations with the EU. In order to be prepared for all eventualities, the Government has introduced the Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill into Parliament, to provide a flexible framework for any system that is needed as part of our deal with the EU, without placing any undue regulatory or financial burden on the industry. The permit elements within the Bill will come into effect only if our international agreements require it.
Asked by: Lord Kinnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer given by Baroness Sugg on 17 January (HL Deb, col 637), in which she stated that "continued membership of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is a possibility and we are considering it", whether it is envisaged that the UK will, in the event of continued EASA membership after Brexit, accept (1) all EASA rules and regulations, and (2) the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
It is the Government’s intention to maintain consistently high standards of aviation safety once we have left the EU. As part of the exit negotiations the Government will discuss with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in the field of aviation safety and standards.
The Government has been clear that the UK should no longer be subject to direct CJEU jurisdiction after it has left the EU. There are models which already allow non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, to participate in the EASA system.
Asked by: Lord Kinnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they have made, or are making, for the UK to continue full participation in the European Maritime Safety Agency after departure of the UK from the EU.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The Government is considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for continued participation in the European Maritime Safety Agency.
The UK’s continued participation with the Agency will be a matter for negotiations.
Asked by: Lord Kinnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they received from the former Mayor of London, Mr Johnson, about the 2013 conclusions of the Report on Air Pollution in London, which he commissioned but did not publish in full; when any such information was received; and what response they made, if any.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The Mayor is responsible for air quality standards in London. The Mayor provides the framework and guidance which London boroughs use to review and improve air quality within their areas. Officials have found no evidence that information about the specific report referred to was shared with Government.