The First Minister today backed criticisms of his own government by Business Minister Edwina Hart, that Ministers have not got the brand of Wales right.
Speaking in First Minister’s Questions, the Labour Leader failed to answer criticism of his government in the light of declining tourist numbers and worrying GDP figures and instead embarked on a tirade against Wales’ flagship airport.
Andrew RT Davies AM, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the National Assembly, said, “The First Minister and Business Minister both agree that Labour has failed to get the brand of Wales right – a damning indictment on successive Welsh Labour Governments.
“Last week’s GDP figures show how Wales has fallen further down the global prosperity league table. Wales is now the poorest of all the nations and regions of the UK at less than 80% of the EU average.
“The number of overseas tourists coming into Wales is falling, while insufficient action is being taken to encourage inward investment to help drive Wales back up the EU prosperity league table.
“The First Minister seems to be on a mission to vilify the owners of Cardiff Airport to avoid taking responsibility for his government’s failure to support the development of new routes from Cardiff.
“By launching a tirade against Wales’ flagship airport, Labour Ministers will simply inflict further damage to the credibility of the Welsh brand.
“Instead of taking action to expand air links to improve trade, inward investment and tourism, Labour Ministers have simply sat on their hands.
“While Warren Gatland’s team delivered the Grand Slam, all Carwyn Jones’ Labour team could deliver is the wooden spoon.”
