Written questions by Heylings.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of a third runway at Heathrow on the UK's carbon budget.

The government is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and meeting our carbon budget obligations, as set out in the Climate Change Act. Making Britain a clean energy superpower and delivering greener transport, including aviation, is a Department for Transport priority. We have been clear that any airport expansion proposals will need to demonstrate they contribute to economic growth and can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments, as well as meeting strict air quality and noise standards. The government will set out detail on plans for meeting legislated carbon budgets later this year.

Whether she has had discussions with Whizz Kidz on their report entitled Beyond fare Equality through Concessionary Bus Travel; and if she will mandate free travel for disabled bus pass holders.

The Department regularly meets with stakeholders to discuss a range of issues but have had no such discussions with Whizz Kidz. The terms of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme already mandate free off-peak bus travel for disabled bus pass holders.

What plans her Department has to continue funding for the Access for All programme.

The Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. Since its launch in 2006, the Access for All (AfA) programme has delivered step free access at more than 250 stations across Great Britain. Since April 2024, AfA projects have entered into passenger service at nine stations, with a further 25 stations scheduled to enter into passenger service by April 2025. We remain committed to further increasing the number of step free stations and are carefully considering our approach to identifying new AfA projects. I will of course ensure MPs and other stakeholders are kept informed about next steps.