Thread by @NickFletcherMP

AIRPORT CRISIS - DAY 59

Being back in Parliament has been really helpful in our campaign to Keep @DSA_Airport open. This is a long post but one with reason for real hope and optimism.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 1/12

It’s given me the opportunity to meet again with the Aviation Minister @robertcourts and discuss the situation with him. I’ve been hoping that Robert is not moved in any reshuffle and to date it looks that he will remain in post.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 2/12

.@robertcourts has been really helpful to date & has really impressed me with his attention to detail and his motivation to work with @olivercoppard to keep @DSA_Airport open.

On Wednesday it was PMQs and I was able to speak in the Chamber.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 3/12

.@trussliz has previously been supportive. This week she said we must protect @DSA_Airport & keep it open.

As a result the Transport Secretary @annietrev has been asked by the @PM to give it priority. All of this on her 1st day in office.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 4/12

My ask of the PM and Govt remains the same. I want them to help me to persuade @olivercoppard and John Whittaker to meet. They have the powers, the duties & the responsibilities to our region as well as Doncaster to do the right thing.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 5/12

I was therefore surprised by the reaction of @olivercoppard to this. His response on 07.09.22 on Twitter (no equivalent post on Facebook) can be found here:

https://twitter.com/olivercoppard/status/1567511969262977025?s=21&t=Ukv3e3i94VPALPyS5e-FMg

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 6/12

I don’t think @olivercoppard has properly understood what I am seeking. I am not attacking him nor am I attacking Peel Holdings. I simply wish them to meet, do the right thing and agree terms to keep @DSA_Airport open.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 7/12

They have the powers and finances to achieve that outcome. Today I spoke again in Parliament.

We need to ensure that local assets are protected by local authorities and @DSA_Airport is no exception. It is and should always remain an airport

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 8/12

If planning laws need to be tightened as the PM @trussliz said yesterday to the Father of the House Sir @PBottomleyMP, then let’s do that.

I am speaking to the CEO of @MyDoncaster later today.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 9/12

There is much going on here at my end. I will always do what I can but I don’t have the devolved powers and the funds that go with them. It’s the two people at the business end where it matters. 🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 10/12

It’s down to John Whittaker to do the right thing. Make @DSA_Airport a success or allow someone else to do so. It’s down to @olivercoppard to have a viable plan for the short medium and long term to keep the airport open.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 10/12

The campaign continues. The deadline expires a week tomorrow. 8 days. So I call on @olivercoppard and John Whittaker to reach an agreement that keeps @DSA_Airport open. That would be a fine legacy to be remembered by.

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 11/12

A legacy that strengthens the local economy and provides a springboard to boost our region into a prosperous future.
103,000+on line & 5,000+ on paper. Keep sharing. It’s working.

Let’s save @DSA_Airport

change.org/p/save-doncast…

🧵 #SaveDSA #Doncasterisgreat 12/12