A NEWPORT MP yesterday pressed the Prime Minister for reassurances that no decisions will be made on the fate of the city's passport office until an assessment is made on the economic impact.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn raised the topics at Prime Minister's Questions, voicing concerns that the office will be closed before a full assessment has been made on the impact it will have on the 300 workers, their families and Gwent itself.

The Argus launched a campaign to save the passport office, the only one in Wales, after consultation plans were started over its potential closure.

The formal consultation ends on Sunday and the Argus delivered 24,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street opposing the plans last month.

More than 3,000 additional signatures have since been collected.

Mr Flynn asked the coalition leader David Cameron for an assurance that no final decision will be taken until the economic assessment is published and considered.

Mr Cameron replied: "I know how important the passport office has been to Newport and how many jobs it has provided. I will certainly look at the specific question that the Hon Gentleman asks and ensure that he gets an answer."

This question followed an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled by Mr Flynn and Newport East MP Jess Morden echoing these worries.

Mr Flynn said: "It would be an outrage if this decision is taken without considering the impact on the economy in Newport, which will be enormous - it would have a crippling effect.

"It's always important to raise questions in Prime Minister's Questions to put pressure on the government to make sure it's not ignored."

Mr Flynn said he is now awaiting the response from the Prime Minister.