It is hoped some airlinks may be seen as a public service necessity

In an air transport debate in the House of Commons, MP Gwyneth Dunwoody spoke in support of Bailiwick efforts for direct access to London airports.

Mrs Dunwoody told MPs of the States' purchase of Aurigny in a bid to protect slots at Gatwick.

Her comments came following discussions with Commerce and Employment Minister Deputy Stuart Falla.

Advocates needed

However, Mrs Dunwoody, who is Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich and Chair of the Commons' Transport Select Committee, said despite this purchase of Aurigny, airport access is not protected in the way it should be in future.

Deputy Falla said while local transport officials were in close contact with the UK Department of Transport, it was important the UK Government recognised that the island had the support of influential members of the House, such as Mrs Dunwoody.

He said: "This is an ongoing process, because airlines are particularly concentrating on routes they make money from, it means that outlying areas can be squeezed out.

"We need advocates at all manner of levels, and we also need to constantly bring our message to people who can make decisions that affects us.

"Unfortunately, it can't just be done once because the personalities involved change, ministers change and even the government itself changes.

"But we hope the UK Government will effectively reserve some slots that can be considered to be public service obligations."

Deputy Falla also said he believed that slots currently held by Aurigny were secure while the airline continues to operate.