Wednesday 16 July 2025,
09.15, Committee Room 8, Palace of Westminster
On Wednesday, the Environment Audit Committee will question the
Minister for Aviation and Local Authority and planning
representatives as it concludes its inquiry into the economic and
environmental impacts of airport expansion.
In 2024, aviation emissions rose by almost 10% compared with the
previous year. Emissions from aviation now contribute a greater
share to the UK's total than the electricity supply sector and
are largely driven by demand for international leisure flights.
With 5 of the 6 London airports planning expansion, this demand
looks set to continue to grow.
MPs will first hear from Local Authority and planning sector
representatives, with questions likely to explore the current
planning system and how much weight is currently given to the
climate change and environmental implications of expansions. The
Committee may also examine the levels of consideration given to
local impacts, including noise and air pollution during the
planning process.
The Minister for Aviation will then be quizzed alongside
representatives from the Department for Energy Security and Net
Zero, and the Department for Transport, including the Director
for Heathrow Expansion. Questions are likely to test the strength
of the data underpinning the Government's economic growth
predictions, and the robustness of its current emissions plans.
Witnesses
From 9.15:
- Dr Pauleen Lane CBE, Professional Lead for Infrastructure,
Planning Inspectorate,
- Ian Thynne, Head of Environmental Planning Specialists,
Hillingdon Council,
- Peta Donkin, EIA Director - Infrastructure and Energy,
National Infrastructure Planning Association
From 10.15:
- Minister MP, Minister for Aviation,
Maritime and Security, Department for Transport,
- Hannah Newell, Director for Heathrow Expansion, Department
for Transport,
- David Silk, Director for Aviation, Department for Transport
- Sonia Krylova, Deputy Director, Carbon Budget Delivery &
Framework, Net Zero Strategy Directorate, Department for Energy
Security and Net Zero
