Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Kinnock Excerpts

Thursday 15th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con)]

5. What assessment he has made of the effect of the result of the EU referendum on the timetable for a decision on Heathrow expansion.

[Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) (Lab)]

8. What assessment he has made of the effect of the result of the EU referendum on the timetable for a decision on Heathrow expansion.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Chris Grayling)]

The Prime Minister will begin the negotiation for Britain’s future relationship with the EU and will also take the decision about when to trigger article 50 and start the formal process of leaving the EU. As I said a moment ago, as we move into the new world beyond our membership of the European Union, it is important that we are an outward-facing nation with strong business ties around the world. The decision on runway capacity is an important part of that, and it is important that we get it right. We will take that decision and move ahead with our plans, ensuring that we have the right links for the future.

[Chris Grayling]

I will not give an exact date today, but I assure the House that we intend to take the decision soon. It is important that we move ahead with these plans. I hear what my right hon. Friend says about Heathrow. I have seen three effective, well-crafted proposals for the Government and this House to consider. We will reach a view shortly about what recommendation we will seek to make.

[Stephen Kinnock]

The Prime Minister has claimed that she wishes to govern in the interests of the whole country. The expansion of Heathrow would deliver more than 8,000 jobs for Wales and contribute more than £6 billion to the growth of our economy. Does the Secretary of State agree that the expansion of Heathrow is the only right answer for the economy of Wales?

[Chris Grayling]

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, and he clearly has a strong view on this matter. As he will have seen, strong views are held on both sides of the House and on all three sides of this argument. I note what he says about the importance of proper air links for Wales. This Government will always focus on the best way we have at our disposal to help Wales, but we have to take a decision about the interests of our collective United Kingdom and which option is better, and that is the decision we will take.