4. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:03 pm on 10 June 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:03, 10 June 2020

Well, can I thank Rhianon Passmore, and say that I think, in general, Members across the Chamber and Members in the UK Parliament are speaking with one voice with regard to the announcement from BA? And I think Kelly Tolhurst's critique in the House of Commons was appropriate and correct, and I think it's absolutely right that British Airways are held to account for the decisions that are being made, that they don't seek to exploit the job retention scheme in the way that it appears they may have done so, and that the loss of jobs, if there is indeed to be a loss of jobs, is kept to an absolute minimum.

Now, if we look at what support is being offered to the UK aviation sector, compared to what's happening elsewhere around the globe, I'm afraid it should leave us with serious concerns about the future viability of the sector. Just yesterday we saw the announcement of a huge—huge—support package for aerospace in France. It amounts to £12 billion in grants. Cathay Pacific received a £4 billion bail-out from the Hong Kong Government, and by contrast, to date, we have not seen vitally important support thrown the way of UK aviation businesses. Time is running out for many regional airports, for many airlines, and for huge numbers of people who are employed in this vitally important sector. So, I would encourage the UK Government to come forward with an ambitious strategy for aviation, and one that is backed up with investment.