Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made in expediting compensation to vehicle owners affected by the Volkswagen emissions scandal since the debate in Westminster Hall on 20 April 2017 on emissions and vehicle type approval; whether such compensation will match that given to vehicle owners in the the US; and whether his Department has made an assessment of the heightened incidence of breakdowns and mechanical failures reported by the Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum after updates have been completed.

The Government continues to take Volkswagen’s actions in relation to diesel emissions extremely seriously and is working hard on behalf of UK consumers. Following pressure from the UK Government, Volkswagen Group now offer a ‘Trust Building Measure’ for all consumers that have had, and will have, the technical measure applied. This commits Volkswagen to respond reasonably and appropriately to every complaint which relates to the implementation of the service action. Officials have met with the Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum to hear their concerns and plans for a further meeting in January 2018 are being finalised.