Member Article

Senior politicians join Durham Tees Valley Airport fight

Senior transport politicians will engage regional MPs in the drive to secure the future of Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Following last week’s announcement that Peel Investments (DTVA) Limited became the majority shareholder, Peter Nears of the Peel Group has spoken to Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle and Louise Ellman MP, Chair of Commons Transport Select Committee.

Mr Nears briefed both politicians on the importance of Durham Tees Valley to the local community and economy.

Speaking at a conference on transport issues affecting the North of England, he commented that policy must support regional airports, and that financial burdens placed on them through taxation and charging measures would be a problem.

He said: “Since last Friday’s announcement of the change on share ownership I have already met with the Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson who during the debate on the bill urged the Government to look at the possibility of introducing a so-called ‘public service obligation’ which would protect slots at Heathrow for a link to Durham Tees Valley, stressing the importance of access to
international transport air network to the area’s industries.

“We discussed this issue and other factors which affect regional airports in general and Durham Tees Valley in particular, including the burden imposed through Air Passenger Duty and the suggestion that the costs of inspections by the Civil Aviation Authority could be transferred to airports.”

There had been calls from MPs for the Peel Group to make clear their plans for the airport, as fears grew it would enter into administration.

Sedgefield MP Phil Watson, said: “We discussed this issue and other factors which affect regional airports in general and Durham Tees Valley in particular, including the burden imposed
through Air Passenger Duty and the suggestion that the costs of inspections by the Civil Aviation Authority could be transferred to airports.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .