Clwyd South MP calls for action over Thomas Cook collapse

The MP for Clwyd South has called on the UK Government to bring in emergency new legislation to help passengers left stranded.

Susan Elan Jones MP referred to the recent collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook which left 150,000 passengers having to be repatriated to the UK.

Earlier this week it was announced that Thomas Cook had failed to secure another £200 million it needed to keep the business afloat.

This has resulted in 9,000 jobs across the UK at risk and the cancellation of bookings, including flights and holidays.

All of Thomas Cook’s retail shops – including the one in Wrexham town centre – were also closed with immediate effect.

The Clwyd South MP said: “Government, Opposition and pretty much everyone else now agree that we need new laws to deal with this, so why do we have to wait for a new Queen’s Speech? The Government could and should be bringing emergency legislation next week on this urgent matter.”

Cabinet Minister Grant Shapps MP agreed that new laws were necessary to prevent travellers being left in a “ridiculous situation” following the collapse of firms such as Thomas Cook.

He also said he was open to the idea of emergency legislation as suggested by Susan Elan Jones MP. Mr Shapps told Parliament that he hoped new laws would enable stricken travel firms to be wound down in a “more orderly” way.

Speaking afterwards, Susan Elan Jones MP said: “What has happened to Thomas Cook’s customers and staff is terrible. Where a law is not fit for purpose and there is a consensus to change it, the Government should bring in emergency legislation. We need action here and we need it fast.”