Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has called for transparency into Cardiff Airport.
During questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Mr Fox highlighted the “mess” the airport currently finds itself in, with the overall support package being reviewed by the Competitions and Markets Authority, a legal challenge by neighbouring Bristol Airport, and reducing passenger numbers.
The Monmouth MS reiterated the Conservatives commitment to privatising the airport, whilst criticising the handling of the site by the Welsh Labour Government.
Mr Fox acknowledged the ongoing legal action and commercial confidentiality, but commented the Welsh public deserve to know how their money is being spent.
In closing, he asked the Cabinet Secretary for a firm date on when the subsidy will end, how the airport will be returned to private ownership, and for the publishing of regular data for the public in the interim.
Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said:
“This airport could be an asset to Wales, but the way it has been handled by the Welsh Labour Government has been shocking.
“We continue to see airlines exiting, passenger numbers fall, but more public money being sunk into the site.
“The answer is to return it to the private sector, the Conservatives are firm this is the answer, and we are committed to making this a reality.
“Other airports, including nearby Bristol Airport are all privately owned, and are managing their passenger numbers and capacity far better, with data showing that around 20% of passengers using Bristol live in Wales.
“Whilst the Welsh Government claim to be gagged by ongoing legal action and commercial sensitivity, there is nothing stopping them from publishing key data for the public to see. The Welsh public deserve to know how their money is being spent.”
