Recommendations & Conclusions
12 items
1
Conclusion
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
While airport expansion is likely to provide some economic growth through growth of the aviation sector, the level of growth to the UK economy provided by airport expansion is unclear and the Government has so far failed to provide substantial supporting evidence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 13)
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While airport expansion is likely to provide some economic growth through growth of the aviation sector, the level of growth to the UK economy provided by airport expansion is unclear and the Government has so far failed to provide substantial supporting evidence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 13)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that airport expansion proposals must demonstrate economic growth and commits to developing and publishing updated analysis on Heathrow's economic impacts by summer 2026 as part of the ANPS review.
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2
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
Before formally agreeing any airport expansion plans, the Government should: (Recommendation, Paragraph 14) 1) Commission more detailed and serious research into the net economic benefits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 15) 2) Clearly set out what level of growth to the UK economy it expects. This should be broken down into both individual …
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Before formally agreeing any airport expansion plans, the Government should: (Recommendation, Paragraph 14) 1) Commission more detailed and serious research into the net economic benefits. (Recommendation, Paragraph 15) 2) Clearly set out what level of growth to the UK economy it expects. This should be broken down into both individual and cumulative airport expansions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 16) 3) This should be done in a timely fashion to allow effective scrutiny of its plans and opportunities for challenge before a final decision is made. We recommend that the Government sets out in its response to this report how it will do this. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17)
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Government response AI summary
The government refers to its commitment to develop updated analysis on the economic impacts of Heathrow expansion as part of the ANPS review. It also states that any promoter must demonstrate compliance with ANPS requirements and that the Making Best Use policy for other airports …
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7
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The Government should be taking a more strategic approach that should consider wider growth and planning across the whole of the UK. Finally, we are very disappointed that this approach does not allow proper consideration and scrutiny of airport expansion proposals in the light of the new ANPS. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
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The Government should be taking a more strategic approach that should consider wider growth and planning across the whole of the UK. Finally, we are very disappointed that this approach does not allow proper consideration and scrutiny of airport expansion proposals in the light of the new ANPS. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation by detailing an ongoing review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which began in October. This review will consider changes in legislation and policy, assess cumulative environmental impacts, include updated aviation forecasts for various airports, and ensure parliamentary scrutiny, …
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15
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) is not fit for purpose and requires updating to reflect Government policy. The ANPS specifically fails to: • Provide an integrated view on the role of the aviation and airport system across the country as a whole, • Provide information on environmental limits including …
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The Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) is not fit for purpose and requires updating to reflect Government policy. The ANPS specifically fails to: • Provide an integrated view on the role of the aviation and airport system across the country as a whole, • Provide information on environmental limits including air pollution limits, noise limits and greenhouse gas emissions, • Set out how cumulative impacts from all current UK airports and future airport expansion should be accounted for in the planning process. This leads to environmental risks and leaves future expansion applications open to legal challenges, slowing progress of any airport expansion. (Conclusion, Paragraph 68)
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Government response AI summary
The government confirmed that a review of the ANPS commenced in October and will consider legislative changes, environmental tests (including cumulative impacts), and update associated assessments, with DfT expecting to consult on a revised ANPS by July 2026 if amendments are needed.
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17
Conclusion
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
Whilst the Committee understands the Government position that it includes international aviation emissions within its carbon calculations, the UK is yet to formally legislate to include international aviation emissions within the Carbon Budgets, despite it agreeing to do so previously. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79) 45
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Whilst the Committee understands the Government position that it includes international aviation emissions within its carbon calculations, the UK is yet to formally legislate to include international aviation emissions within the Carbon Budgets, despite it agreeing to do so previously. (Conclusion, Paragraph 79) 45
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Government response AI summary
The government accepted the committee's observation, stating it is already acting on the basis that international aviation emissions are formally included from 2033 and intends to lay the relevant legislation by summer 2026.
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18
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
We reiterate the recommendation made by the Climate Change Committee, our predecessor Committee and others that the Government makes Parliamentary time available to introduce the necessary legislation to formally include international aviation emissions within Carbon Budgets and its Net Zero targets. The Government should do this within the current Parliamentary …
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We reiterate the recommendation made by the Climate Change Committee, our predecessor Committee and others that the Government makes Parliamentary time available to introduce the necessary legislation to formally include international aviation emissions within Carbon Budgets and its Net Zero targets. The Government should do this within the current Parliamentary session. (Recommendation, Paragraph 80)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating they intend to lay the necessary legislation to formally include international aviation emissions within Carbon Budgets by summer 2026, subject to parliamentary time.
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19
Conclusion
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
Whilst a reduction in aviation emissions is necessary to deliver a net zero aviation sector, an important contribution to the UK’s efforts is the reduction of non-CO2 effects, such as contrails. (Conclusion, Paragraph 81)
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of addressing non-CO2 aviation impacts like contrails, highlighting existing initiatives such as the £29 million Non-CO2 Research and Development Programme and the Contrails Impact Mitigation Task and Finish Group.
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24
Conclusion
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The aviation sector does not fully pay for its carbon emissions, whether this is through the lack of a direct carbon tax, VAT on its fuel, or the greater benefits it receives through the Emissions Trading Scheme compared to other high emitting sectors. This makes aviation artificially cheap and provides …
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The aviation sector does not fully pay for its carbon emissions, whether this is through the lack of a direct carbon tax, VAT on its fuel, or the greater benefits it receives through the Emissions Trading Scheme compared to other high emitting sectors. This makes aviation artificially cheap and provides the industry with benefits other essential sectors do not benefit from. (Conclusion, Paragraph 111)
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that it drives decarbonisation through existing carbon pricing schemes like the UK ETS and CORSIA, which align with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, and committed to reviewing the treatment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel under the UK ETS.
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25
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The Government should ensure that the aviation sector pays its fair share towards mitigating its carbon emissions and the benefits it receives in comparison to other sectors. Aviation should be included in Emissions Trading Schemes and the government should include the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels within the ETS. (Recommendation, …
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The Government should ensure that the aviation sector pays its fair share towards mitigating its carbon emissions and the benefits it receives in comparison to other sectors. Aviation should be included in Emissions Trading Schemes and the government should include the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels within the ETS. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112)
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Government response AI summary
The government states that aviation is already included in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for certain flights, and the scheme already supports the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. It notes the UK ETS Authority will review SAF treatment and consult on options in due course.
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26
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
Government should also conduct a wider review of aviation taxation to ensure that the ‘polluter pays’ principle is upheld, and the aviation industry does not receive benefits which are denied to other important industries. The aviation industry will then be incentivised to decrease emissions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 113)
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Government should also conduct a wider review of aviation taxation to ensure that the ‘polluter pays’ principle is upheld, and the aviation industry does not receive benefits which are denied to other important industries. The aviation industry will then be incentivised to decrease emissions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 113)
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that Air Passenger Duty and carbon markets like the UK ETS and CORSIA already incorporate the ‘polluter pays’ principle and drive decarbonisation, without committing to a wider review of aviation taxation.
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28
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The Government must undertake a detailed review on whether significant airport expansion will realistically allow it to deliver on its legally binding climate, environment and biodiversity targets. This should include a detailed examination of the measures that need to be taken to remain within the aviation carbon budget. (Recommendation, Paragraph …
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The Government must undertake a detailed review on whether significant airport expansion will realistically allow it to deliver on its legally binding climate, environment and biodiversity targets. This should include a detailed examination of the measures that need to be taken to remain within the aviation carbon budget. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115) 47
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating that a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) commenced in October to consider changes in legislation, policy, and data. This review will assess compliance with climate and environmental commitments, update assessments, and engage the Climate Change Committee.
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29
Recommendation
5th Report - Airport expansion and clim…
Accepted
The results of this review should be published before or alongside the refreshed ANPS and before any further substantial airport expansion projects are underway. This is crucial to enable proper scrutiny. Failure to do so could put the Government and any airport expansion projects at risk of legal challenge which …
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The results of this review should be published before or alongside the refreshed ANPS and before any further substantial airport expansion projects are underway. This is crucial to enable proper scrutiny. Failure to do so could put the Government and any airport expansion projects at risk of legal challenge which would increase costs, delays and introduce greater uncertainty. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116) 48
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Government response AI summary
The government committed that any amendments to the ANPS and its associated assessments, reflecting the review's findings, will be subject to consultation by summer 2026 as part of the parliamentary scrutiny process.
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