THE reason that Newport's passport office was picked out for closure was because its lease was up first, the First Minister said yesterday.

Speaking in the Senedd yesterday Carwyn Jones said he could see no other reason why the passport office was being closed.

The Argus and local politicians are campaigning against the move.

He was reacting to a question from Newport West AM Rosemary Butler, who asked him to make sure Assembly ministers and Newport Unlimited do everything they can to protect the city from UK government cuts.

Mr Jones said: “It’s not just the question of the passport office, it’s the effect on the entire economy of Newport.

“It is clear to me that the reason why Newport has been picked out for closure is because their lease us up first.

There’s no other reason as far as I can see.”

There has been no comprehensive impact assessment, no assement of how to save money through early retirement, no suggestion for how to save money by reducing the amount of space needed for the office, he said.

Veronica German, Liberal Democrat AM for South Wales East, also urged the first minister to take advantage of the recent consultation period extension.

She said: “It is my opinion that closing the office would certainly impact on Newport’s chances of encouraging inward investment to the city centre.”