The Government must ensure the safe return of Monarch passengers and provide the leadership that has so far been missing – Andy McDonald MP

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, commenting on the cancellation of Monarch flights, said:

“The Government must do all it can to ensure the safe return of passengers and to make them aware of the compensation to which they are entitled.

"The Government should also look at how they can support Monarch staff, including by helping facilitate alternative employment in the aviation industry.

"With Ryanair recently cancelling thousands of flights, in part because of unfair treatment of staff, and Monarch having ceased trading, the sector is in a period of uncertainty. It is critical that the Government provides greater clarity.

"Our aviation sector is the largest in Europe but it is dependent on agreements secured through our EU membership. A failure to secure an essentially unchanged operating environment post-Brexit will mean grounded planes, cancelled holidays and disaster for UK aviation. The Government must provide the certainty and leadership that has so far been missing.”