Select committee: Scottish Affairs Committee
Conclusion 2
Fifth Report - Airports in Scotland
Published 22 Mar 2022
Paragraph 26
Addressed to Scotland Office
Scottish Affairs Committee Airports in Scotland All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
Aviation connectivity from isolated communities in Scotland is a necessity. Lifeline services are essential for the transport of essential supplies, for the movement of people for medical appointments and key personnel in the energy industry as well as to support a thriving business community and to grow international exports from Scotland. We have heard about the perceived conflict with net zero ambitions and keeping isolated communities in Scotland connected to lifeline services, but we are aware of the variety of steps being taken to move towards a carbon neutral aviation and that these steps will not necessarily restrict connectivity.
From: Scottish Affairs Committee, Fifth Report - Airports in Scotland (HC 601), paragraph 26, 22 March 2022
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 15 June 2022 (deadline 22 May 2022).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government responds to the report by agreeing on the need for sustainable aviation growth and improved communication with devolved administrations, while stating that one recommendation "cannot, however, be fully endorsed".
- On the strategic framework, it supports continued growth in aviation over the next 30 years and agrees with the committee that this growth "must be sustainable". It is "aiming to publish the Jet Zero Strategy later this year".
- On the Airspace Modernisation Programme, it agrees that it is a critical national infrastructure project and has announced a further £3.7 million. It says sponsors "are expected to resume responsibility for funding further stages", citing the "user pays principle".
- On regional connectivity, it "will consider whether there are further opportunities to utilise PSOs" and is "carefully considering" how to take forward the Union Connectivity Review.
- On Air Passenger Duty, it states that APD "is not a hypothecated tax" and does not commit to the requested investigation or report.