Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will place in the Library a copy of his response to the letter dated 8 July 2020 from the Public and Commercial Services union, the Aviation Environment Federation and others, on the inclusion of a climate objective and of representatives from environmental and community groups, academics and other trade unions in the first phase of the Expert Steering Group on restart and recovery of the aviation industry; and if he will make a statement.

The International Aviation Taskforce’s Expert Steering Group (ESG) provided industry the opportunity to feed into the practical application of any new policies and co-produce solutions where possible. ESG has met its purpose and has undoubtedly been vital in achieving the milestones of producing health measures guidance and helping government establish Travel Corridors.

Whilst our absolute focus in Government at this time is combating COVID-19, we do recognise that it’s important that we continue to work on our longer-term priorities including tackling climate change and improving air quality. The Transport Secretary announced the formation of a new ‘Jet Zero Council’, which will bring together government, aviation, academia, as well as environmental groups represented through the AEF, to make net zero emission flights possible.

A copy of the Transport Secretary’s response to the letter dated 8 July 2020 will be placed in the Library.