Peter Fox: Cardiff Airport Funding Risks Ignoring the Sector That Could Save It

Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has raised the issue of aerospace funding in Wales.

During questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning this week, the Monmouth MS pointed out the aerospace growth currently being seen in Wales, was being driven by UK-level investment, and the industry itself, rather than Welsh Government.

Mr Fox highlighted the continued funding of Cardiff Airport, which the Welsh Government has committed £205m over the next ten years, and suggested during his comments the lack of investment into the wider aerospace sector is what will actually underpin the long-term success of the airport.

The Monmouth MS commented during his question that without a strong aerospace sector, Cardiff Airport will continue to be a ‘loss-making and directionless distraction’ for Welsh Government, that is permanently propped up by public money.

Mr Fox closed by asking the Cabinet Secretary if she accepted the approach by the Welsh Government risks leaving the airport more exposed.

Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said:

“The Welsh Labour Government has choices to make with its budget decisions, and they continue to take the wrong direction.

“It is good to see the growth in Wales in our aerospace sector, which is supporting jobs around Newport and Cwmbran, but despite claims from Welsh Government, the investment and growth in this area is natural and from UK-level.

“The airport in Cardiff continues to be propped up by the Welsh Government, who are throwing public money into it, simply hoping its fortunes will turn around.

“This is not sound leadership, it’s typical of Labour in Wales, throwing money at a problem and hoping it will work.

“The Conservatives are committed to returning the airport into the private sector, which is the only way its fortunes can be changed.”