The Ministry of Defence has responded to questions raised in Parliament regarding the environmental impact of military helicopters, particularly in areas of high helicopter air traffic.
Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the MOD has made of the impact of various helicopter models on air quality.
Morgan’s question specifically referred to the Sea King, Westland Wessex, Puma, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. She sought clarity on whether the MOD had evaluated their contribution to air pollution in areas with significant helicopter operations.
In her response, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, clarified that two of the models referenced are no longer in service.
“Neither the Sea King nor Westland Wessex remain in service with the Ministry of Defence. They were retired in 2018 and 2003 respectively,” Eagle stated.
Turning to the current fleet, Eagle addressed the concerns surrounding the Puma and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, assuring that no significant risks to air quality have been identified.
“We do not believe that there is an increased risk to air quality from Puma and Chinook helicopters,” Eagle said.
However, she acknowledged the importance of monitoring potential emissions-related risks and announced a new initiative to better understand and manage helicopter exhaust emissions.
“The department has begun work to initiate a programme of engine exhaust emissions substance monitoring for in-service helicopters in accordance with Health and Safety Executive approved methods,” Eagle explained.
This programme aims to ensure the MOD meets safety and environmental standards while maintaining the operational readiness of its rotary-wing fleet.
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Lots of research went into that question then🙄
Pathetic.
Of all the things the MOD has to worry about that is here biggest problem?
I thought the MOD was short of money, vanity project to me
What a cretinous question.
What a load of WOKE Lib Dem crap, as if the skint run down MOD has not got enough to do with pointless leftie questions about utter nonsense topics. Lets chuck some money at it and keep the tree huggers happy. Why not do an impact survey on how many leave the Armed Forces each year? or why have got next to no tube Artillery left.
Any way it will all be fine soon no Puma helicopters after next year, problem solved.
I am sure that Russia is also carefully considering the emissions from its armed forces. In fact, I am sure that’s why they have temporarily taken Admiral Kuznetsov out of service.
And China. Ship production will be decreased to improve air quality. (not)
Don’t think they would want to monitor CR2 below 5Degrees lol
With all the helicopters their cutting, the emissions will go down.
Yes, 31 helicopters to be retired. That’s a lot.
Wetland Wessex and Sea King!!!!
There’s only two Wessex (and a handful of Sea King) flying the UK and they are privately owned….
A poorly researched and pointless question….
If they keep cutting the fleet they can announce its aimed at cutting emissions.
seriously? is this money well spent for such a small fleet
not a climate change denier, but it’s bit ridiculous when the UK contributes less than 1% of total CO2 emissions worldwide. meanwhile the biggest polluters don’t even care and many are wealthier than the UK ie (China,US, India). why are countries that pollute more and make money from selling fossil fuels don’t contribute to the climate change fund ie Rusia, Iran, Mexico, and Brazil which is cutting down the rainforest in order to produce more agricultural goods with that lame deal Mercosur
European self flagellatilon reallly doesn’t make sense.
Really enjoying the running joke of the MoD always finding new excuses to spend money on studies and reports