Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on the resumption of flights to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by John Hayes
Although no formal discussions have been held, my Department continues to work closely with international partners on security standards.
We look forward to achieving the return of flights once we can be assured that the necessary security environment can be sustained.
It is the responsibility for each Government to determine their own advice on where it is safe for their citizens or carriers to fly.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the levels of accessibility for disabled people planned for Crossrail stations.
Answered by Paul Maynard
When fully open from December 2019, all of the stations on the Elizabeth line will be step-free to platform level with clear signage and information to ensure that all passengers can get around the stations quickly and easily.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the economic effect on the UK of the current ban on flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh.
Answered by John Hayes
The Department for Transport conducts expert assessments on aviation security at overseas airports. We do not assess the impact on the tourism and airline industries of any restrictions on flights. However, I fully recognise that Egypt is an important partner for the UK, with British businesses both serving the resort, as well as delivering a sizeable contribution to Egypt’s economy more widely. UK aviation security experts have worked closely with their Egyptian counterparts, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements. However, it is long standing government policy not to comment in detail on security matters. We continue to work in a spirit of partnership, and are grateful for Egypt's close engagement and cooperation. We look forward to achieving the return of flights once we can be assured that the necessary security environment can be sustained.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria he will use to determine whether to lift the ban on flights from the UK to Sharm El Sheikh.
Answered by John Hayes
The Department for Transport conducts expert assessments on aviation security at overseas airports. We do not assess the impact on the tourism and airline industries of any restrictions on flights. However, I fully recognise that Egypt is an important partner for the UK, with British businesses both serving the resort, as well as delivering a sizeable contribution to Egypt’s economy more widely. UK aviation security experts have worked closely with their Egyptian counterparts, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements. However, it is long standing government policy not to comment in detail on security matters. We continue to work in a spirit of partnership, and are grateful for Egypt's close engagement and cooperation. We look forward to achieving the return of flights once we can be assured that the necessary security environment can be sustained.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of changes to security made by the authorities at Sharm El Sheikh Airport.
Answered by John Hayes
The Department for Transport conducts expert assessments on aviation security at overseas airports. We do not assess the impact on the tourism and airline industries of any restrictions on flights. However, I fully recognise that Egypt is an important partner for the UK, with British businesses both serving the resort, as well as delivering a sizeable contribution to Egypt’s economy more widely. UK aviation security experts have worked closely with their Egyptian counterparts, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements. However, it is long standing government policy not to comment in detail on security matters. We continue to work in a spirit of partnership, and are grateful for Egypt's close engagement and cooperation. We look forward to achieving the return of flights once we can be assured that the necessary security environment can be sustained.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support his Department has provided to the Egyptian authorities for improving security at Sharm El Sheikh Airport.
Answered by John Hayes
The Department for Transport conducts expert assessments on aviation security at overseas airports. We do not assess the impact on the tourism and airline industries of any restrictions on flights. However, I fully recognise that Egypt is an important partner for the UK, with British businesses both serving the resort, as well as delivering a sizeable contribution to Egypt’s economy more widely. UK aviation security experts have worked closely with their Egyptian counterparts, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements. However, it is long standing government policy not to comment in detail on security matters. We continue to work in a spirit of partnership, and are grateful for Egypt's close engagement and cooperation. We look forward to achieving the return of flights once we can be assured that the necessary security environment can be sustained.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has for the UK to continue to participate in the EU's blue badge scheme after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Blue Badge scheme is a UK scheme, enshrined in national legislation, and will continue after the UK’s exit from the EU.
The Government recognises the benefits of mutual recognition of badges across the EU for UK citizens travelling to Europe. We are considering carefully all the potential implications arising from the UK’s exit from the EU, including the implications for the continued recognition of Blue Badges.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to avoid disruption to arrangements for air travel between the UK and European destinations when the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by John Hayes
It will be in everyone's interest for air connections between the UK and EU to continue. The Government wants to negotiate the best possible relationship between the UK and EU, and is ready to begin discussions on aviation. The Government is well prepared to ensure suitable arrangements are put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly exit.
Asked by: Stephen Timms (Labour - East Ham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to lift the ban on flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Answered by John Hayes
My officials have regular discussions with UK airlines and others about flights from Sharm el Sheikh.
My aviation security experts continue to work closely with their Egyptian counterparts on the ground, sharing their expertise in establishing effective security arrangements.
We look forward to achieving the return of flights to Sharm el Sheikh, once we can be assured of there being the necessary secure and sustainable security situation.