Transport Committee report

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee reported on Saturday following three intense zoom interrogations.

Chaired by Huw Merriman (C Bexhill and Battle) the Committee condemned British Airways for its attitude towards staff during the time of international crisis and also suggested that the 14-day quarantine period be abandoned. 

At Friday's ministerial briefing Transport Minister Grant Shapps, said that an ‘air bridge system’ could be introduced at the end of the month and pointed out that negotiations were going on with other countries.

The industry, perhaps uniquely, were at one in praising the report, Airlines UK speaking on behalf all the British registered airlines, summing up for all: “We are deeply disappointed that the report does not focus on the challenges facing the industry in this existential crisis,” said Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive.  Seldom in agreement the pilot union BALPA was just as vociferous highlighting British Airway’s attitude but also calling the quarantine as “botched”.  The GMB, representing the balance of BA staff was much the same, likewise Unite, mainly airport ground operatives. 

The publication Which?, with its consumer hat on, was quickly out with comment regarding refunds acknowledging the extraordinary pressures on providers, the report confirmed the Committee has asked the Department for Transport to clarify why an extension to the legal deadlines for issuing refunds was not implemented in the UK.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) was also highlighted by the Committee in its summary suggesting a temporary suspension of payments and support with business rates.

See BTN 25 May Parliament Transport Select Committee – final rounds

www.btnews.co.uk

See here for the official report

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Catherine Chetwynd, London

Much as I understand that quarantine for incoming passengers would pretty much ensure no one flew here, the fact is, incidences of COVID-19 worldwide continue to rise, fall and rise again: 137,908 (June 11), 142,112 (June 12), 133,292 (June 13), 123,645 (June 14). Cases have risen died back and risen further since late March/early April. This is not over yet

Andy King, Radlett

This committee is fine, but does it have real teeth? We need the gates of Britain open now! The wrong message is being sent out.