Invitation to Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Transport, to meet with local residents

Dear Ruth

I am writing to formally invite you to visit my constituency to meet with local residents who will be directly affected by the expansion of Heathrow Airport, many of whom will lose their homes and whole communities. This meeting would include local councillors and Hillingdon members of Parliament.

As you will be aware concerns have been expressed that no minister has visited the area most affected by the proposed 3rd runway and 6th terminal to meet local residents. This has caused considerable anxiety locally.

I received the attached letter from your office informing me that you were attending an event hosted by the private sector body London First at Heathrow this week. You will appreciate I am sure the concerns that local people have that the Secretary of State is able to attend an event convened by a private sector body whilst no minister has found the time to meet with local residents whose homes and communities are at risk.

I am sure that you would wish to render my constituents the same courtesy that you have proffered the private sector bodies like London First that are associated with the aviation industry.

I would welcome a prompt and positive response to this request and can assure you that arrangements for your visit and meeting with local residents would be put in place expeditiously once we have received confirmation from your office.

Yours sincerely
John McDonnell MP
Member of Parliament for Hayes & Harlington

submitted by John on 18 Feb 2008 at 16:25