Doncaster Sheffield: Relocating air services 'will cost lives', MPs say

Doncaster Sheffield Airport's owners Peel Group announced the airport is due to wind down at the end of October

A group of Labour MPs have warned the new transport secretary the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) "will cost lives" due to the move forcing key public services to relocate.

On Monday, Peel Group announced DSA would wind down from 31 October.

In a joint letter to MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, 11 South Yorkshire MPs told her critical police and search and rescue aeroplanes are based at DSA.

They warn of "grave consequences to national security and human life".

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The Department for Transport said Ms Trevelyan will "respond to the letter in full in due course".

The National Police Air Service's four aeroplanes are based at the site, the letter said, with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Ministry of Defence also using DSA.

Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Ms Trevelyan, who was appointed on 6 September, has the right to intervene due to the likely impact the closure would have on emergency services and agencies key to national security, the MPs said.

The letter said the impacted services only have a matter of weeks to relocate if the timetabled closure remains on track.

"There can be no mistake; disruptions to these services will cost lives and cause illness and injury," the MPs said.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Liz Truss told the BBC she would "do what I can" and "talk to the relevant people" to secure the airport's future.

Ed Miliband MP, who put his name to the letter, called the airport "a vital resource for our city, region and country".

"The operations that take place there must be safeguarded and the airport saved so it can continue as a fully functioning commercial airport," the Doncaster North MP said.

Doncaster Central MP Dame Rosie Winterton, also one of the signatories, said: "The Secretary of State has the power to keep the airport open so that another operator can be found to secure the continuation of the airport as a national asset and, in addition, the operation of commercial flights."

In a statement, the Department for Transport said: "The decision taken to close DSA by its owners is incredibly disappointing, not only for the passengers who use the airport, but also the businesses and staff based there.

"We strongly encourage local leaders and Peel Group to work together and find a solution for the site which will benefit local people and the region's economy."