Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will ensure that surface rail access, including the Southern Rail Link and the Western Rail Link, are non-negotiable conditions as part of the assessment of promoted schemes for Heathrow Airport.

The Government recognises the vital role that surface access will play as part of any future expansion of Heathrow Airport. As part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), launched on 22 October 2025, we will consider the transport infrastructure required to support a third runway, including rail connectivity and mode share targets.

While it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ANPS review at this stage, I can say it will be the responsibility of any expansion promoter to set out a surface access strategy demonstrating how they will meet the requirements set out in the ANPS.