Transport Secretary’s perceived ‘flippancy’ angers industry

Thursday, 18 Jan, 2021 0

Travel bosses have rounded on a perceived ‘flippant’ remark made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps which was reported by a Saturday tabloid newspaper.

Shapps was asked by the BBC on 16 January whether it was wise for the over-50s to book their summer holidays.

His reply was picked up by the Daily Star on its front page, interpreting his answer as him effectively saying ‘don’t ask me, I haven’t got a clue’ alongside an image of Shapps in a Hawaiian shirt, sipping a cocktail next to a beach.

Using Twitter to respond to Shapps’ comments, Miles Morgan, owner of Miles Morgan Travel said: "Thank you @DavidTCDavies for writing to @grantshapps on behalf of both myself and the whole travel industry. Seeing Mr Shapps’ flippant comment yesterday, we really do require some solid answers and plan. Global Travel Taskforce….when???"

Morgan had uploaded a letter from David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, sent on 15 January asking Shapps to respond to an email from Morgan asking for an update on the Global Travel Taskforce, launched in November and aimed at ‘opening up international travel and boosting businesses’.

A report was published on 24 November, but nothing has been updated since. In his letter, Davies also reiterated calls for a ‘roadmap to recovery’ for the travel industry.

Jo Rzymowska, vice president and managing director UK & Ireland at Celebrity Cruises responded: "His arrogance and flippancy is disgraceful. A constant smirk on his face and it is quite clear he has no concern or interest in helping the travel industry."

By Louise Longman, Contributing Editor (UK)

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