A cross-party group of parliamentarians has called on new prime minister Liz Truss’s administration to back UK aviation, travel and tourism as it continues to recover from the impacts of Covid-19.
A letter, organised by Henry Smith MP as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, calls for the new PM to put in place support for the sector to help it tackle current challenges and boost its recovery.
The Crawley MP, whose constituency includes Gatwick, urges 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
The letter to Truss, signed by 55 MPs and Lords, points out that the aviation and travel industry is a key driver of economic growth, contributing £92 billion to the UK economy prior to the pandemic
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It adds: “During Covid-19 these industries were amongst the most affected with passenger numbers falling to historically low levels, with aviation grounded and then hit by continuing and changing restrictions.
“As these businesses were among the first hit and last to have restrictions lifted, the consequences of the pandemic continue to be felt and hold back both aviation’s recovery and our economic recovery.
“The summer travel season has shown positive signs of recovery, with strong passenger numbers, families enjoying much needed breaks, and avoiding the challenges previously seen during the Easter holiday period.
“However, it is vital that the government build on this progress and ensure we have a fully recovered and vibrant aviation and travel industry without which the ambitions of Global Britain, namely championing our values, reinvesting our global relationships, and maximising trade opportunities on the world stage, will all remain effectively grounded.”
Smith said: “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.
“With so many Crawley workers depending on the continued success of Gatwick airport this is a cause I look forward to pursuing with the new prime minister.”