Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Blame game takes place in Commons debate

A debate about the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport got heated yesterday afternoon, with MPs placing the blame of its closure on the South Yorkshire Mayor, and the government refusing to use an emergency power to keep it open.

The debate was held in the afternoon’s Commons proceedings, followed by a more focused nighttime debate on the issue. Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher criticised the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) in the Commons for its role in trying to save the airport. The MP, who has been vocal on social media in his efforts to save the airport, said: “We’ve had a combined authority that has been sadly lacking for over 3 years and the people will learn the truth tonight about that. I have members on the opposite side of the room who have only shown interest in the last fortnight. If the combined authority had done their job properly we would not be sat in this position now.”

The MP and Mayor Oliver Coppard have been under the spotlight for their public disagreements on social media, with each blaming the other’s authority for the ongoing crisis. Conservative MP Aaron Bell echoed his sentiment, saying: “[Fletcher] has been shut out by the South Yorkshire Mayor, contrary to what the opposition says.”