Third Runway Statement when I was Suspended From Parliament

On the day of the Government’s announcement approving the expansion of Heathrow I was suspended from Parliament for lifting the mace in protest at the refusal of the Government to allow a vote in the House of Commons on this issue. I felt strongly that this was a denial of democracy and therefore took the only action I thought open to me to draw attention to this decision. Since then I have convened a series of meetings in the constituency speaking to over 1000 constituents and writing to and leafletting the homes of thousands more.

The next stage of this process will be for BAA to prepare a planning application, which will go before a planning inquiry. We will be preparing with the local councils, local residents associations, community groups and environmental organisations our own evidence to this inquiry. It is also likely that there will be legal challenges to the Government’s announcement and various meetings and demonstrations to continue to mobilise against the third runway and sixth terminal proposal.

I am also seeking to secure advice and assistance to all those residents whose homes would be affected if this development was ever allowed to go ahead. I will try to ensure that local residents are kept informed of meetings and activities on this issue. I will use this website to provide information on meetings and activities, including any Government announcements.

I would like to thank all those many, many members of our community, who have contacted me to express their support for my actions and the position I have taken on this critical issue. It has been very touching to receive such a massive wave of support. Thank you.

submitted by John on 10 Feb 2009 at 14:24