Recommendation 8

HM Government Not Addressed

The UK Government shares the Committees view on the importance of good and proactive communication with the devolved administrations. We recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted airports across the UK and we will continue to work in partnership with the devolved governments to support airports and passengers as we build back from the pandemic. Close collaboration and strong communication with the devolved administrations will be vital as we look to fully understand the effects that travel restrictions during the pandemic had on the UK transport system, including airports. The Department for Transport will continue its work to learn these lessons, improve aviation connectivity and support airports across the UK. The recommendation cannot, however, be fully endorsed as the Inter-ministerial Group (IMG) on Transport is not the appropriate body to produce a report reviewing intergovernmental relations or the effects of the pandemic on airports. The IMG on Transport provides department-level quadrilateral structures to ensure effective collaboration across policy areas. Engagement at ministerial level aims to promote understanding of, and accountability for, the governments’ intergovernmental activity on transport policies across all areas of mutual interest. The IMG on Transport is not a decision-making body but a forum for discussion. The IMG will continue to meet and be utilised as a mechanism to facilitate dialogue between the Government and devolved administrations. The UK Government is committed to positive and effective working with the devolved administrations. We will continue to improve communication mechanisms, align wherever possible across our shared transport interests, and discuss joint decision-making, policy development and pragmatic ways to work together.