Member

I turn to the noble Baroness’s Amendment 104 on mutual recognition with the EU of aviation licences and certifications. The Government agree on the importance of close co-operation with the European Union on aviation safety and licensing. That work is already pursued through the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Aviation Safety under the trade and co-operation agreement, which is the agreed forum for discussing mutual recognition and regulatory co-operation. Papers from the committee are published after meetings, providing transparency, but progress in this area depends on agreement from both parties. A legislative duty on the UK Government alone would not accelerate outcomes requiring joint negotiation, and a requirement to report both within six months and annually would add an administrative burden without materially advancing these negotiations. I therefore ask the noble Baroness, Lady Grender, not to press her amendment.