Leaving the EU: Passenger Rights

Oral Answers to Questions — Transport – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 November 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Roger Mullin Roger Mullin Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Treasury) 12:00, 17 November 2016

What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the protection of passenger rights in the UK.

Photo of John Hayes John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Prime Minister has made it clear that we will convert existing EU regulations into UK law when we leave the European Union. Once the great repeal Bill is given Royal Assent, Parliament will be free—subject to international agreements and treaties with other countries and the EU on matters such as trade—to amend, repeal and improve any law it chooses.

Photo of Roger Mullin Roger Mullin Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Treasury)

The collapse of low-cost holidays this summer emphasises the importance of the EU package travel directive, which offers consumers protection in the case of insolvency. Can the Minister give me a guarantee that any rights to which UK passengers are currently entitled will not be eroded by Brexit?

Photo of John Hayes John Hayes Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The hon. Gentleman must understand that this Government remain entirely committed to putting passengers at the heart of our transport policy and ensuring that we have the right regime for passenger rights. In the end, it comes down to this simple fact. As Ruskin said, quality is never a matter of accident, but the result of intelligent effort. I believe in the determination of this House to do right by passengers. If the hon. Gentleman does not believe that, I suggest that he comes into the new light of the dawn of our leaving the EU rather than staying in the murky darkness of Scottish nationalism.