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Labour MPs fight bigger Heathrow to save seats
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor29.05.08
Nearly half of all Labour MPs in London - including a government minister - are opposing a third runway at Heathrow amid growing fears that the issue could cost the party the general election.
A survey published by the Standard today shows that 18 Labour MPs across the capital are against the project because their constituents fear the noise created will be intolerable.
In a highly unusual move, health minister Ann Keen has decided to join the protest movement and has delivered a petition to the Department for Transport. Ms Keen, whose Brentford and Isleworth seat is under the flightpath, has dubbed the plans "plane mad". Gordon Brown and Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly have repeatedly stressed the importance of expanding Heathrow, claiming it is vital to Britain's future economy. The Prime Minister infuriated environmentalists in April when he insisted that Heathrow expansion was desirable. Ms Kelly will make an announcement on BAA's plans this year, following a consultation which ended in February but which has been derided as a fix.
Today's survey found that many Tories and all Liberal Democrat MPs in London opposed the plan.
Many Labour MPs are in marginal seats and party strategists worry that the issue could tip the balance in a tight contest at the next election. With 44 Labour MPs in London, the party knows that it cannot win a fourth term unless it hangs on to a swathe of seats in the capital.
The Greenpeace survey of MPs found that while 18 Labour MPs in London were now against the project, just 13 were in favour - and all but one of those backing the idea were ministers. Even Labour backbenchers outside London, including Hove MP Celia Barlow, fear the expansion could hit their chances of re-election.
Health minister Ms Keen, whose MP husband Alan also opposes the scheme, is perhaps the most senior critic. On her website, she wrote: "As MPs we are the voice of Hounslow in Parliament. I'm opposed and Alan is opposed and we will make sure Hounslow is heard."
A survey by the couple in their local paper found that across the London Borough of Hounslow, 90 per cent of respondents opposed a third runway.
Greenpeace spokesman Ben Stewart said: "There is clearly a growing feeling of dissent on Labour's backbenches, with London MPs realising that supporting a third runway is toxic for their electoral chances.
"People are already talking about a Heathrow swing at the next election, and if it's close Brown may regret hitching his wagon to BAA."
Reader views (4)
Why don't you see planes in the sky over central Paris? Because they are not allowed for safety reasons. Surely flying planes over densely populated areas is a mistake.
- George Walker, London
Living under the flight path, would I vote in a government committed to expanding Heathrow's operations? The answer's an emphatic no!
- Matthew, United Kingdom
Is this a turning point for West London MPs, now that Ann Keen, a Minister, has finally realised she can't spin constituents round her little fingers with Government claims any more. Congratulations.
Surely this only leaves David Wilshire MP for Spelthorpe, blinking around in the political darkness, unable to see the light, groping around in an increasing political wilderness.
- Mark, London UK
They know which way their bread is buttered!!
- Phil Jones, London UK
