Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of proposed (a) Liverpool and (b) Heathrow airport expansions on (i) levels of UK carbon emissions and (ii) the ability of the Government to meet its targets on reducing those emissions.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
The Government is supportive of airport expansion where it can be delivered within our environmental obligations. We welcome the efforts of airports across the UK to come forward with ambitious proposals to invest in their infrastructure.
Every development proposal is judged by the relevant planning authority, taking careful account of all relevant considerations, including environmental impacts and proposed mitigations.
The aviation sector has a critical role to play in delivering the UK’s net zero commitment. In July 2021, we published the Jet Zero Consultation which set out our vision for the aviation sector to reach net zero by 2050. Our consultation includes scenarios that achieve our net zero target by focussing on new fuels and technology. We are carefully considering consultation responses in the development of our final Jet Zero Strategy which we aim to publish later this year.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment has been carried out on the potential effect of increased pollution, noise and emissions from Liverpool's proposed airport expansion on people's physical and mental health.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
The Government is supportive of airport expansion where it can be delivered within our environmental obligations. We welcome the efforts of airports across the UK to come forward with ambitious proposals to invest in their infrastructure.
Every development proposal is judged by the relevant planning authority, taking careful account of all relevant considerations, including environmental impacts and proposed mitigations.
The aviation sector has a critical role to play in delivering the UK’s net zero commitment. In July 2021, we published the Jet Zero Consultation which set out our vision for the aviation sector to reach net zero by 2050. Our consultation includes scenarios that achieve our net zero target by focussing on new fuels and technology. We are carefully considering consultation responses in the development of our final Jet Zero Strategy which we aim to publish later this year.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the Liverpool City Region Freeport on the employment conditions of seafarers working on Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry services between Liverpool and the Isle of Man.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
Employment conditions for seafarers are subject to international and domestic law and the provision of freeports does not change those obligations.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of the Liverpool City Region Freeport on existing (a) road, (b) rail and (c) ports infrastructure.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
There have been no Ministerial discussions at this point in time with representatives of the Isle of Man Government on this subject. My Department will consider the implications of the Freeport business cases for our transport networks and any potential future infrastructure investment/decisions.
My Department recognizes that appropriate links will be vital to ensure the success of the UK’s newly established Freeports. My Department will consider the implications of the Freeport business cases for our transport networks and future infrastructure investment/decisions.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Isle of Man Government on the potential effect of the Liverpool City Region Freeport on infrastructure projects affecting Isle of Man Steam Packet services between Liverpool and the Isle of Man; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
There have been no Ministerial discussions at this point in time with representatives of the Isle of Man Government on this subject. My Department will consider the implications of the Freeport business cases for our transport networks and any potential future infrastructure investment/decisions.
My Department recognizes that appropriate links will be vital to ensure the success of the UK’s newly established Freeports. My Department will consider the implications of the Freeport business cases for our transport networks and future infrastructure investment/decisions.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to extend (a) provisional licences and (b) theory test certificates in response to the discontinuation of driving lessons during the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Rachel Maclean
The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving a licence is using the online service, which is available as normal. There are no plans to extend provisional driving licences. The law requires drivers who hold a provisional photocard licence to renew it every ten years.
A maximum duration of two years is permitted between passing a theory test and a subsequent practical test. This is provided for in law and is in place for road safety reasons.
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool, Riverside)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to ensure that travel companies and airlines comply with legislation and refund passengers whose flights or holiday packages have been cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Answered by Robert Courts - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
The Department has been clear that airlines and travel agents should not deny consumers their legal right to a refund if it is requested, and this should be done in a timely manner. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is routinely reviewing the refund policies and practices of all UK airlines, as well as a number of international airlines that operate flights to and from the UK. The CAA has utilised its review to influence airlines to change their processes and practices in order to improve performance in providing refunds. The CAA’s actions have led to an improved quality of service and performance from most airlines. The CAA continues to work with carriers to drive down waiting times, while recognising the challenges businesses are facing.
Furthermore, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) launched its Covid-19 Taskforce in April to identify, monitor and respond to competition and consumer problems arising from coronavirus and the measures taken to contain it. Where there is evidence that businesses have breached competition or consumer protection law, the CMA will take enforcement action if warranted.