Rob Roberts MP has joined a cross-party group of parliamentarians in writing to the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, calling for the new administration to back UK aviation, travel and tourism as it continues to recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
The letter, organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation which is chaired by Crawley MP Henry Smith, calls for the new Prime Minister to put in place support for the sector to help it tackle current challenges and boost its recovery.
Mr Roberts is one of 55 parliamentarians calling for the Government to:
- Give specific responsibility for overseeing the cross-government approach to international travel policy to an individual Minister
- Introduce minimum staffing levels for Border Force at UK airports
- Confirm commitment to the Jet Zero Strategy and put in place levels of price stability to attract investment and new entrants to the market
- Work with partners to create an international travel toolkit to be prepared for future crises
- Work with industry to put in place a long-term skills strategy to support jobs in aviation, travel, tourism and sustainable aviation
On signing the letter, Mr Roberts has said:
“I am pleased to be a signatory to this letter from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, chaired by my colleague Henry Smith the MP for Crawley.
“Airbus in Broughton employs hundreds of Delyn residents and many of the things that the letter asks for will be of direct benefit to them and their sector, which may in turn facilitate expansion and growth at the Broughton plant.
“Disappointingly, with a number of Labour, SNP, LibDem and DUP signatures, that of the MP for Alyn & Deeside where Airbus actually sits is notably absent.
“I will continue to support the industry and those local people who work in it and fight to secure the future of aviation and benefits to the Airbus plant that is vital for our county.”
Chair of the APPG for the Future of Aviation, Henry Smith said;
“The aviation, travel and tourism sectors are still recovering from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While they have had a good summer season we can’t be complacent and I’m pleased to sign the Future of Aviation All-Party Parliamentary Group’s letter to the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
“Support for these sectors needs to be a part of the new Prime Minister’s plans, not only to secure their position ahead of the winter but to reemphasise the support of Government and industry to reach net zero.”
The Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, Henry Smith MP, commented;
“I’m very grateful to Rob Roberts for signing this approach to the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
“Whilst our aviation, travel and tourism sectors have had a good summer season, we must be under no illusion that they are fully recovered from the impacts of the last two years.
“As an island nation, our aviation industry is one of the key drivers of our economy and a fully recovered and fighting fit industry will be vital as the new Government looks to tackle the challenges ahead.
“It is crucial that the Prime Minister makes backing these industries a key part of her agenda and supports them as they continue their journey to a full recovery. This includes support for a challenging winter season ahead but also recommitting and redoubling our efforts to support the sector’s transition to net zero.
“Our aviation, travel and tourism industries were amongst the worst affected and the last to see Covid restrictions removed. We must build on the progress made over the summer and support these industries in the months and years ahead as a part of a vision for a truly global Britain.”