Speeches by Chowns.

“Where is the data that supports that claim?”

“That is not the test case, with respect, Minister. Demand management includes carbon taxation and the taxation of aviation fuel, which is unfairly excluded at the moment. It also includes options such as a frequent flyer levy, which would address your concern. We know that 50% of the airport expansion that you are curr…”

“Why not?”

“The ETS will not apply.”

“Minister, the Climate Change Committee has said that demand management is essential to enable the aviation sector to meet its net zero targets. You have just told us that you are not considering demand management. You have also told us that you aspire to be an evidence-based Government. Why are you not considering dema…”

“That is the very clear message from the Climate Change Committee.”

“No. There are these three options: a frequent flyer levy, which would be a very equitable and fair option; taxation of aviation fuel; and proper carbon taxation. If you look at the measures involved in the emissions trading schemes that you have just talked about, the situation currently is that a flight within Europe …”

“They have talked about demand management in their previous reports. I would have expected that your Department would have considered these arguments already. I am delighted that you will write to this Committee with your consideration of those measures.”

“Specifically on that—I am glad you mentioned responding to carbon budget plans—can you tell me, Minister, why you still have not legislated for international aviation to be included in carbon budgets? Will you bring forward the secondary legislation for that before you come forward with the carbon budget 6 delivery pla…”

“Given the negative feedback loop you have just outlined, what degree of priority do you think the Committee on Climate Change should give to it in its reporting and recommendations? Do you want to see it emphasised more?”

“You have already made a decision on expansion.”

“Are you not—”

“Will the Deputy Prime Minister please explain why her Government will not set a target for the provision of social housing? While I welcome the investment in the social and affordable homes programme that she set out, the reality is that it will meet only 10% of the total number of new homes anticipated and only 10% of…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Lewell. I rise to represent my constituency, which is home to the 22nd SAS Regiment, the Special Reconnaissance Regiment and the 18th Signal Regiment. I am sure the House will wish to join me in recognising the professionalism and dedication of the men and women who ma…”

“On that point, will the Minister give way?”

“It makes sense for bus services to reflect local needs, but whether someone has a disability and needs to use a bus is not a locally determined thing. There should be fair access to these services wherever someone lives in the country. Currently we have a postcode lottery regarding the ability to use bus passes 24 hour…”

“I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate on such an important topic; he is making an excellent speech. Does he agree that this is of particular importance in rural areas because bus services are sparse and travel distances are long? I have been approached by campaigners from Mencap Herefordshire who have ran an …”

“The hon. Lady is making an extremely powerful case about this long-standing injustice. As she has pointed out, the WASPI campaigners are making really constructive suggestions to resolve the matter, offering to reach out and sit around the table with the Government. Does she share my frustration that the Government are…”

“In the constructive spirit that has characterised much of this discussion, I welcome much of what the Secretary of State has announced today: bringing care closer to people in their homes, investing more in prevention—it is all good stuff. But there seems to be a missed opportunity here. In the 143 pages of this docume…”

“Let me start by putting on record that I know at least two people who have participated in Palestine Action protests, but that is not why I am speaking today. This is about fundamental principles. This is a chilling moment for British democracy. Let us be clear about what is happening: a political protest group is bein…”