SUSPENSION OF BA FLIGHTS TO OMAN

Early day motion 754, tabled 24 February 2003 by Alan Duncan (Conservative). Signed by 27 members.

That this House notes with dismay that BA has at short notice and with no consultation announced the suspension of its regular flights to Muscat, Oman; notes that it was a profitable and popular route; considers Oman to be amongst the most safe and stable of all countries in the Middle East; believes their decision to be an ill-considered and unnecessary over-reaction to recent FCO travel advice which referred to other countries elsewhere in the region; draws attention to the grave offence BA's decision has caused to the United Kingdom's closest and most long-standing friend and ally in the Gulf; notes that it will prove detrimental to the interests of United Kingdom business and to United Kingdom residents in Oman; and urges BA immediately to reconsider their decision and resume flights to Oman forthwith.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, Labour 11, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.