First Minister won't face airport questions today

A Conservative urgent question about the Welsh Government's plans to take over Cardiff International Airport has been turned down by the Assembly's Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler. AMs have been recalled for one day from their Christmas recess to debate council tax benefit regulations.

The Conservatives wanted to use the opportunity to question Carwyn Jones about his announcement yesterday that his government is in negotiations to buy the airport from its present owners. It's a matter of judgement for the Presiding Officer whether to grant an urgent question.

I understand she decided that as today's meeting is an exceptional session, called to deal with specific business, it would be inappropriate to allow an urgent question on any topic. AMs could still link the purchase of the airport to the reduction in council tax benefit during today's debate.