Welsh Assembly won't let James Bond be filmed in the Senedd

Welsh Conservatives have questioned a decision by the National Assembly for Wales to refuse a filming request from the producers of the new Bond film.

PRESS: Double-o-Senedd labelled a missed opportunity #AssemblyBond #SeneddBond http://t.co/el7zhspxfa

— Andrew RT Davies (@AndrewRTDavies) March 13, 2015

Welsh Conservative Leader, Andrew RT Davies AM, said:

“I’m not convinced that refusing permission for the Senedd to feature in one of the biggest movies of the year – on movie screens in every corner of the world – was the right decision.

“From a Welsh tourism perspective, that’s the sort of publicity money simply can’t buy.

“While I applaud the Assembly for sticking to it guns – and seeing off 007 better than Blofeld ever could – I feel deflated that this an opportunity missed.

“TV and film related tourism is a major industry, bringing fans of Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who to Welsh locations and it’s a shame that Spectre won’t be added to that list.

“While I understand the principles behind the decision, perhaps the Assembly should consider never saying never again.”

UPDATE: 11.32am

So it wasn't Carwyn who said 'no' to James Bond!

RT @WelshGovernment: We did not make the decision to refuse James Bond filming in the Senedd chamber. That was @AssemblyWales Commission.

— Carwyn Jones (@fmwales) March 13, 2015

A REQUEST to film the new James Bond movie at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay has left the National Assembly neither shaken nor stirred.

The producers of the new 007 film Spectre starring Daniel Craig wanted to film scenes in the Senedd chamber.

But the request was rebuffed. The National Assembly said the Cardiff Bay chamber 'is not a drama studio'.

Do you think they should be allowed to film James Bond in the Senedd?

A statement said: "The Senedd's Siambr is the home of Welsh democracy and seat of government for Wales.

"Some media activity is allowed in the Siambr when it relates to the work of the assembly or reflects the Siambr's status as the focal point of Welsh civic life.

"It is not a drama studio.

"Decisions on requests from the creative industries to use the assembly's estate are made on a case by case basis, and we are proud to have collaborated with many television and film companies on drama productions such as Sherlock and Dr Who .

"The request by James Bond to use the Siambr was turned down and they were offered alternative locations on the estate which they subsequently declined."

UPDATE: