Written questions by Wilson.

If she will commission an independent financial review of the feasibility of Heathrow expansion.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that any scheme for Heathrow expansion is deliverable and affordable. Last year, the Government undertook a comparative assessment of the proposals, on its individual merits against the published criteria, which included financial considerations. Since this is a private sector project, it is for the potential promoters to develop and finance expansion proposals, and to demonstrate that any scheme is financially viable.

If she will confirm that there will be a public consultation on the Airports National Policy Statement whether or not it is amended.

Yes, we will publicly consult on the outcome of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement.

What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the investigation by London Centric into Lime Bike accidents.

Road safety is a top priority for this Government. That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety. We will consult in depth before implementing licensing, with safety being a core consideration. Licence conditions could include reporting and maintenance requirements. Ministers and officials engage regularly with shared cycle operators, local authorities, and other groups to understand the challenges and opportunities these schemes can present.

What steps she is taking to monitor the maintenance of Lime Bikes by rental companies.

Road safety is a top priority for this Government. That is why the licensing regime for shared cycle schemes which we are bringing forward through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will include minimum standard conditions to ensure a national baseline of safety. We will consult in depth before implementing licensing, with safety being a core consideration. Licence conditions could include reporting and maintenance requirements. Ministers and officials engage regularly with shared cycle operators, local authorities, and other groups to understand the challenges and opportunities these schemes can present.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Railways Bill on accessibility at train stations.

The Railways Bill places a statutory duty on Great British Railways (GBR) to promote the interests of passengers, and in particular the needs of disabled passengers, when carrying out its statutory functions. This means accessibility will be embedded at the heart of GBR’s decision-making and reflects the Government’s vision for a railway that is inclusive and accessible to all.

How many staff currently work for DfT Operator Limited.

There are 102 staff that currently work for DfT Operator Limited.

When the transport adaptation strategy will be published.

In 2024, DfT consulted on a draft transport adaptation strategy and published a summary of responses in March 2025. We will shortly publish the transport adaptation strategy.

How many sustainable aviation fuel plants are currently under construction.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to the Rt Hon Member for Basildon and Billericay on 7 November 2025, to Question UIN 86750.

How many sustainable aviation fuel plants she expects to be under construction in (a) 2026, (b) 2027, (c) 2028, (d) 2029 and (e) 2030.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to the Rt Hon Member for Basildon and Billericay on 7 November 2025, to Question UIN 86750.

How many sustainable aviation fuel plants are currently operational.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave to the Rt Hon Member for Basildon and Billericay on 7 November 2025, to Question UIN 86750.

Which organisations will be members of Transport Focus.

The Railways Bill will establish a powerful voice for passengers, the Passenger Watchdog, to be grown out of Transport Focus. It will be given significantly stronger powers to become a more effective passenger champion. In addition to this, Transport Focus will take over the sponsorship of the Rail Ombudsman from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as well as the ORR's role in setting and monitoring minimum consumer standards which train operators must meet as part of their licence conditions.

If she will set out any outcomes from the most recent meeting of the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Aviation Safety, held on the 26th November 2025.

The outcomes of the meeting will be published online when the minutes are finalised and agreed between the UK and EU.

When she expects the (a) economic and (b) environmental analysis of Heathrow Airport expansion to (i) commence and (ii) be completed.

On 22 October, the Secretary of State for Transport launched a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which provides the primary basis for decision-making on whether to grant development consent for a new northwest runway at Heathrow. As part of the review, the Department for Transport will develop analysis on the economic and environmental impacts of expansion at Heathrow, and the outputs will be published alongside any amends to the ANPS for consultation by summer 2026. Any promoter will then need to prepare and submit a development consent order, including their own analysis, for expansion for consideration by the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State for Transport.

Who will be responsible for conducting the (a) economic and (b) environmental analysis of Heathrow Airport expansion.

The Department for Transport has commenced the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) and will lead on conducting the economic and environmental analysis that supports that document. This will be in collaboration with other government departments and other expert bodies as appropriate. As announced, we will also seek the independent view of the Climate Change Committee, and the Secretary of State will be writing to the Climate Change Committee shortly to set this out. Before Heathrow expansion can proceed, a scheme promoter must also prepare and submit a full Environmental Statement as part of the Development Consent Order application.

If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the Airports National Policy Statement, published on 5 June 2018, in the context of the potential impact of airport expansion proposals approved at (a) London Gatwick, (b) London Luton, (c) London Stansted and (d) London City on the UK's climate commitments.

The Government has been clear that any airport expansion proposals need to demonstrate that they are in line with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations.The Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) has effect in relation to the provision of a Northwest Runway at Heathrow Airport. Nonetheless, the ANPS is clear that it is still a relevant and important consideration in the determination of airport related developments, particularly where it relates to London or the South East of England.In January the Chancellor announced that the Government will review the ANPS, which provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow. Further details on this will be announced shortly. The current ANPS remains operational until the review has been completed.

If she make it her policy to consult the Climate Change Committee on proposals to expand Heathrow Airport.

In January, the Chancellor announced the government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow. In that announcement, the government committed to engaging the Climate Change Committee (CCC) as part of the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework. Over summer, the Department for Transport has been assessing proposals for a third runway at Heathrow from potential scheme promoters. The government is considering the proposals to inform the ANPS review. Further details on the assessment of scheme proposals, ANPS review and how the CCC will be engaged as part of the review will be announced shortly.

What assessment she has made of compliance of proposals for the expansion of Heathrow airport with her Department's four tests.

The government supports expansion at Heathrow Airport. In June 2025 the Secretary of State published a letter to potential promoters, inviting proposals by 31 July 2025 and outlining the essential information required in initial plans. The government has received proposals for a third runway which it is now assessing, to support the forthcoming ANPS review against the criteria set out in the Secretary of State’s letter (link). This includes a demonstration that proposals could maximise economic growth opportunities, whilst complying with the UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations, including in relation to air and noise pollution.

When she will review the Airports National Policy Statement.

The Government published a letter to potential promoters inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow to be brought forward by the summer. The Government is now assessing the proposals against the criteria set out in the letter. Once this is complete the Government will move quickly to review the Airports National Policy Statement. We will update on the timings for the review as soon as possible. However, when conducting the review, the Secretary of State will comply with the requirements in the Planning Act 2008, including consultation, publicity and parliamentary requirements.

How many times the Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security has met the Climate Change Committee since July 2024.

The Minister attended the Jet Zero Taskforce Plenary in December 2024, which was attended by the CCC’s CEO, Emma Pinchbeck, and where the government’s approach to aviation decarbonisation was discussed. The minutes from that meeting can be found here: Jet Zero Taskforce – 2024 Annual Plenary 4:00pm – 5:30pm, Wednesday 4 December 2024. The Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security has not had a bilateral meeting with the Climate Change Committee (CCC) since July 2024.

What plans her Department has to increase funding for (a) road maintenance and (b) pothole repairs in Twickenham.

The Government has already provided an additional £500 million increase for local highway maintenance this financial year. As a result of this increase, Richmond upon Thames will receive up to £664,000 in additional funding. Building on this, at the spending review the Chancellor announced that the Government will be providing £24 billion of capital funding between 2026-27 and 2029-30 to maintain and improve motorways and local roads across the country. This funding increase will allow National Highways and local authorities to invest in significantly improving the long-term condition of England’s road network, delivering faster, safer and more reliable journeys.