Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey will bring forward a debate at the House of Lord’s Grand Committee on Tuesday 15th November.
The motion is: 'To ask HMG what plans they have for improving transport links between London and the regions.'
Lord Empey commented;
“While this debate is not Northern Ireland specific, it is obvious that we are the most vulnerable of the regions, as we have no direct rail or road links to London.’
“Connectivity is vital not only for business but also for making sure that UK citizens are able to access each of the regions easily and are not left feeling dis-attached. While there are proposals for faster rail links and new roads schemes on the Mainland, the regions will suffer heavily if air access to airports in London, especially Heathrow, is threatened.’
“We are now seeing this issue coming to a head because of the proposed sale of BMI to BA.
Already this year BMI has cut its service to Glasgow, and we in Northern Ireland are very dependent on the BMI service for access to Heathrow.’
“My main worry is that we could see the George Best Belfast City to Heathrow service cancelled in favour of long haul flights which BA will see as more profitable.’
“I will be raising all of these points with the Department for Transport and I intend to introduce a Private Members Bill (Aviation Access Bill) soon to try and ensure that the regions cannot be denied reasonable access to the principal hub airport in the United Kingdom for both business and leisure travel.’
