Written Evidence May. 16 2025
Inquiry: Airport expansion and climate and nature targetsFound: Airlines UK AECN0055 1 Airlines UK response to EAC inquiry on Airport expansion and climate and nature
Mentions:
1: Wera Hobhouse (LD - Bath) I recognise the vital importance of the aviation sector, but any airport expansion —including at Bristol - Speech Link
2: Heidi Alexander (Lab - Swindon South) Planning approval has been given for the expansion of Luton airport, a final decision on Gatwick will - Speech Link
3: Paul Kohler (LD - Wimbledon) Following the fire at North Hyde substation that closed Heathrow a few weeks ago, various lines on the - Speech Link
4: Heidi Alexander (Lab - Swindon South) A review is being conducted by the National Energy System Operator on the Heathrow substation fire. - Speech Link
Mentions:
1: Caroline Johnson (Con - Sleaford and North Hykeham) I wonder if the average jumbo jet flying into Heathrow does a loop-the-loop on its way in.RAF Digby is - Speech Link
2: Joy Morrissey (Con - Beaconsfield) bothered us more on the issue of the importance of protecting rural communities from solar farm expansion - Speech Link
3: Joy Morrissey (Con - Beaconsfield) it is possible to be pro-solar energy while raising legitimate concerns about where and how that expansion - Speech Link
Asked by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will meet with representatives of Heathrow Airport to discuss the potential inclusion of Heathrow Logistics Hubs as part of its expansion plans.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government supports airport expansion and has invited proposals for a third runway at Heathrow and expects proposals to be brought forward by the summer.
The specific details of the proposals for a third runway are a matter for the promoters to consider but government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth and meet strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.
Asked by: Earl of Effingham (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings the Chancellor of the Exchequer has had with Heathrow Airport Limited since its acquisition by a consortium led by Ardian in December 2024.
Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
Treasury Ministers regularly meet with airports and other stakeholders across the aviation sector and value this engagement. Ministers have met with Heathrow Airport Limited during this period. These meetings continue to inform the Government’s position on Heathrow expansion.
Asked by: Earl of Effingham (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government what meetings Ministers in the Treasury have had with Heathrow Airport Limited since its acquisition by a consortium led by Ardian in December 2024.
Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
Treasury Ministers regularly meet with airports and other stakeholders across the aviation sector and value this engagement. Ministers have met with Heathrow Airport Limited during this period. These meetings continue to inform the Government’s position on Heathrow expansion.
Asked by: Damien Egan (Labour - Bristol North East)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the likely readiness of hydrogen-powered aircrafts for commercial use at the planned completion of the expansion of Heathrow Airport; and what steps her Department is taking to align aviation decarbonisation initiatives with future airport infrastructure developments.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government recognises the potential decarbonisation and growth benefits that new forms of zero-emission aircraft using hydrogen could provide. However, construction and operational timelines of any Heathrow Airport expansion remain a matter for the scheme promoter.
The government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals must be delivered in line with the UK’s legal, climate and environmental obligations. The government will set out detail on plans for meeting legislated carbon budgets later this year, including for aviation.
Also, the Jet Zero Taskforce, convening representatives from government, industry, and academia, has established a dedicated Task and Finish Group to review barriers to the commercial operation of zero-carbon hydrogen aircraft.
May. 02 2025
Source Page: Scottish Business Sentiment IndexFound: A positive BSI reflects business optimism and may indicate economic expansion, while a negative BSI
Mentions:
1: David Simmonds (Con - Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) I think of my experience with Heathrow airport, where air quality duties are an absolute obligation on - Speech Link
2: David Simmonds (Con - Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) I think again of airport expansion; numerous Ministers have said at the Dispatch Box that a whole set - Speech Link
3: David Simmonds (Con - Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) The Chancellor, at the Dispatch Box, said that Heathrow expansion, and airport expansion more generally - Speech Link
Found: Notable cases, like the 2020 Heathrow runway ruling, have helped uphold climate obligations, while others