Coronavirus continues to dominate both the media and my work
in Parliament as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Health Secretary. It is
clearly a fast developing situation and it is important that all of us act
responsibly but do not over-react to the situation. We all need to listen to
the advice from the NHS and Public Health England and ensure we are following
the guidance.
There was however another major story last week that was
highly significant to us in Cornwall. The very sad news overnight last
Wednesday that Flybe were ceasing operations and going into administration was
deeply concerning.
I am very aware of how crucial Flybe, as the UK’s biggest
domestic carrier, was to the future vital regional airports like Cornwall
Airport Newquay and our economy in Cornwall.
Looking at the statistics, nearly two thirds of Cornwall
Airport Newquay ‘s flights were operated by Flybe, including the vital Public
Service Obligation route linking Cornwall to London. It is particularly
concerning that this has happened just before Easter which marks the start of
the tourist season and I know many local businesses will be concerned at the
impact this will have.
When Flybe first encountered issues earlier in January this
year, along with other colleagues in Parliament I raised this with the
Government, who very quickly recognised the challenge and took action in
pulling together plans to support the airline.
After this quick action from the Government then, it was
very disappointing indeed to see Flybe’s decision last week to enter
administration.
This decision was a commercial one, made by the company. The
shareholders have stated there has been a severe impact of Coronavirus on
Flybe’s trading, which has also been mirrored in many other airlines around the
world.
As I said last week, the Government had been in constant
talks with Flybe and its shareholders. The Government continued to be prepared
to support them within what they are allowed to do legally under EU state aid
rules (we are currently still subject to these rules during the transition
phase of Brexit until the end of this year). Some people have read into this
that I was blaming the EU for Flybe’s demise. This is not the case – it is
simply just stating the fact that there are limits on what the government is
allowed to do.
As soon as I became aware of the unfolding situation I spoke
with the Aviation Minister, who has confirmed the government's ongoing support
for both our airport and particularly our vital London connection.
I also raised the issue, and Cornwall Airport Newquay’s
importance to our Duchy, in the House of Commons during the debate following
the Statement from the Minister on Flybe on Thursday.
I have also heard from the Department for Work and Pensions
about the support they are offering to Mid-Cornwall constituents affected by
any job losses and if anyone has any concerns with this, please do get in touch
with me and I will do what I can to help.
I have made it a top priority to work with the Department
for Transport, Cornwall Council and the management of Cornwall Airport Newquay
to find another airline to take on this route as soon as possible. Other
airlines are already coming forward to take on routes previously carried by
Flybe around the country and I will continue to work with all concerned over
the coming weeks to ensure as many routes return to Cornwall Airport Newquay as
possible. Progress is already being made and I am confident that we will see
the London route and other flights connecting Cornwall to other parts of the UK
operated by other airlines in the coming weeks. It is important to remember
that only Flybe flights have been affected and all other airlines flying in and
out of Newquay airport continue to operate as normal.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and
work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support.
The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no
appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on
then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or
office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only,
advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at:
www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
