Henry Smith MP has questioned the Security Minister in the House of Commons (Monday, 3rd July) over the use of drones near to UK airports following a device in the air near Gatwick Airport forcing a runway closure and diversion of flights on the evening of 2nd July.

Gatwick’s runway was closed for two periods, of nine and five minutes, following sightings of the drone and five flights were subsequently diverted.

Henry said;

“I was deeply concerned about the significant disruption caused last Sunday evening to Gatwick operations due to drone incursions over the airport.

“Drones are of important use commercially and can also be used for legitimate recreation, so it’s not about restricting responsible use but rather ensuring our security and safety at airports.

“I’m grateful for the Security Minister’s attention on the matter after I raised the issue in Parliament.”

Henry’s recent contribution in the Commons chamber follows the Written Parliamentary Question he asked last month on the Government’s plans to tackle the ongoing issue of laser pens being aimed at aircraft at Gatwick Airport.

There were 55 such attacks last year, an increase from 39 in 2015. There have already been 27 such occurrences in 2017 on an issue which the Crawley MP will continue to pursue.

Henry Smith, Member of Parliament for Crawley, asked the Minister of State for Security;

“Yesterday evening, Gatwick airport had to close its runway on several occasions, leading to the cancellation of quite a few flights, owing to the irresponsible use of a drone. Will the Minister say whether the Government will consider reviewing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles around airports?”

The Minister of State for Security, Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, responded;

“My hon. Friend makes an important point about the dangers that drones can pose to aircraft, but drones are also used illegally to supply drugs to prisons and they are used by terrorists and criminals further afield.

“That is why this Government set up a group chaired by me and the Ministry of Defence about a year ago to look at measures that we can put in place not only to deal with the technological challenge that drones present, but to ensure that we counter drones in a way that fits with the idea of an open society in which law-abiding citizens can continue to use drones for their pleasure or for their work.”