Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help protect airport workers from verbal abuse and physical assault by passengers.

The Government takes the safety and welfare of airport and airline workers seriously. Verbal abuse, assault and threatening behaviour towards staff are unacceptable. A range of criminal offences may apply, and the police have powers to take action where appropriate. We will continue to engage with industry and trade unions to ensure workers are represented in discussions about tackling this behaviour.

On 2 October, the Government announced that the Department for Transport is working with airlines and trade unions to support the development of a new, industry-led approach to sharing information on persistently disruptive passengers. This would help airlines identify repeat offenders, make informed decisions on whether restrictions or bans are appropriate, and help protect staff and other passengers.