New transport sec outlines travel priorities to select committee MPs

Speaking to the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday (19 October), Trevelyan said she will prioritise rebuilding relations with India after the country announced plans to scrap e-visas for British tourists earlier this month.

"Just last week I met with the country’s high commissioner in the UK and we discussed a range of issues, and this was one of them. I will bring the matter to cabinet members later today," she said.

"I have some very close and good relations there and it’s absolutely at the top of my agenda. The relationship between our communities is incredibly deep."

She also said the Department for Transport is continuing to review plans for additional powers for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). "We need to make sure the passenger is compensated if there is a problem," she added.

The DfT will also continue to look at ways to solve the remaining challenges around ground-handling staff in the aviation industry. "Some will be technology-driven and some will be wage-driven," Trevelyan said.

"It’s about finding the right way forward and what the right balance will be to ensure airlines have the ground handlers they need, and to make sure the airports interact with those airlines."

Trevelyan – who has backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow – said once the airport "meets the challenges" around air and noise pollution, the DfT will revisit the proposals.