✈️ Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Commons Chamber

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Lee Pitcher passionately argued for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, highlighting its economic benefits and the community’s pride in its aviation heritage. Local campaigns and significant business support back the initiative, with projections showing thousands of jobs and billions in economic growth by 2050. Transport Minister Mike Kane expressed government support for the airport’s revival, emphasizing its role in regional development and connectivity. The debate underscored the urgency and community-driven effort to restore this vital regional asset.

Summary

  • Reopening Priority: Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, highlighted the urgent need and community support for reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). The closure of the airport was seen as a loss of jobs, economic contribution, and local pride.

  • Community Campaign: The “Save DSA” campaign has been active since the airport’s closure 818 days prior, pushing for its reopening and keeping the issue at the forefront. The campaign, along with other groups, has been pivotal in maintaining community engagement and hope for the airport’s future.

  • Economic Impact: The business case for reopening DSA is strong, with projections estimating over 5,000 direct jobs, 6,500 indirect jobs, a £5 billion contribution to the economy, and a £2 billion increase in welfare benefits by 2050. The return on investment is expected to be significant, with a benefit-cost ratio of 9:1.

  • Regional Growth: The reopening of DSA is seen as a catalyst for broader economic development in South Yorkshire, potentially attracting international investment and supporting the region’s growth as a hub for logistics and tourism.

  • Sustainable Opportunities: There is interest in turning the area into a hub for sustainable aviation fuel, aligning with broader governmental goals for sustainable economic growth and high-skill job creation.

  • Government Commitment: The Transport Minister, Mike Kane, expressed support for the efforts to reopen DSA, acknowledging its importance for regional economic growth and connectivity. He outlined the government’s commitment to supporting the necessary steps for the airport’s revival, including airspace modernisation.

  • Transport Investment: In addition to the airport, the government is investing in the region’s broader transport infrastructure, including bus services, active travel, and rail connectivity, to improve overall accessibility and support economic growth.

  • Progress and Challenges: While significant milestones have been achieved, including securing an operator and funding, challenges remain. The government and local authorities are urged to maintain political will and support to fully operationalise the airport.

  • Hope for the Future: The reopening of DSA is not only about economic revival but also about restoring local pride and offering future opportunities for the younger generation, symbolizing hope and growth in the region.

Divisiveness

The session primarily revolves around the unanimous support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The disagreements in the session are minimal to none, indicating a high level of consensus among all participants. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  1. Speeches and Interventions: Each speaker expresses support for the reopening of the airport. Lee Pitcher, the primary speaker, emphasizes the economic and social importance of the airport. Interventions by other Members of Parliament like Jim Shannon, Jo White, Mark Sewards, Sally Jameson, and Jake Richards all align with Pitcher’s views, reinforcing the consensus on the issue.

  2. Minister’s Response: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Kane, also expresses support for the efforts to reopen the airport. He highlights the government’s commitment and mentions ongoing efforts and funding to support not only the airport but also related transport infrastructure in South Yorkshire.

  3. Lack of Dissenting Voices: There are no notable disagreements or dissenting opinions presented throughout the session. All interventions from other MPs and the minister’s response are supportive and focused on positive aspects and future steps towards reopening the airport.

  4. Examples of Agreement:

    • Jim Shannon supports the economic benefits and suggests further government action to support airports financially.
    • Jo White agrees on the importance of the airport to her constituency and the potential for regional development.
    • Mark Sewards supports the airport’s reopening as a means of economic growth for the broader region.
    • Sally Jameson highlights the opportunity for sustainable aviation fuel development, showing agreement on the broader economic and environmental benefits.
    • Jake Richards underscores the importance of the airport for local youth.
    • Mike Kane, the minister, reaffirms the government’s alignment with these views and details ongoing and future commitments.

In conclusion, the session is characterized by a strong agreement across the board on the importance and need for reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, resulting in the lowest disagreement rating of 1.