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Green light will cost Labour seats across country, say MPs
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor12.01.09
LABOUR MPs today warned that giving the green light to a third runway would ruin the party's green credentials for decades and lead to the loss of swathes of seats at the next election.
Backbenchers in and around the capital are urging ministers to stage one last attempt to delay the plans at tomorrow's Cabinet meeting, where the crunch decision is expected to be made.
Some hope leading rebels Ed Miliband, Hilary Benn and Harriet Harman would win a further postponement to consider the scheme's impact on noise and pollution.
But with Downing Street sources insisting a statement is due this Thursday, most MPs were pessimistic that Gordon Brown would change his mind and many predicted that Labour would suffer long-term damage to its environmental reputation as well as losing seats in west London.
Martin Salter, the Reading West MP, said: "A third runway fails three important tests. On air quality, the air is so bad around Heathrow that we are already breaching our obligations under EU legislation. Secondly, the Government promised in 2003 to sort out road transport nearby and it still hasn't. Third is the environmental test Labour's credibility is on the line.
"If ministers think this is the end of the matter, they are living in cloud cuckoo land. A legal challenge will follow immediately and there will be continuous protests."
Andrew Slaughter, MP for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush, led two deputations of Labour backbenchers to see Mr Brown last autumn. He said: "Our last chance is a robust discussion in Cabinet."
John McDonnell, whose Hayes and Harlington constituency will be most hard hit by the new runway, said: "Gordon seems to be literally bulldozing this through. We will lose seats not just in London but across the country in those marginals with majorities with less than a thousand votes.
"Those who view the environment as an important issue will turn against us."
John Grogan, the Selby MP whose Commons motion against a third runway attracted 57 Labour MPs, said: "Backbenchers are hoping Ed Miliband, Hilary Benn and Harriet Harman will be bold tomorrow and argue the long-term case against a third runway. If they don't we will regret that not just environmentally, but also politically."
Reader views (14)
Marginal taxation does not confer green credentials.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke
Regardless of the Heathrow business, Labour is finished!
But, having made the above statement, Joe Public in this country seems to have a serious masochistic streak, and in all probability will vote them in again, as their is no serious, viable, credible opposition! Sadly!
GERONIMO
- Geronimo, LONDON MIDDLESEX
Why is the media and the parties so obssesed with all thing green ? As the survey in this paper showed nearly 8% of people do not believe in global warming ! Ask anybody you meet what is important to them and Green doesn't even come in the top 10. Politicians love it because it is perfect for controlling you and me whilst CLAIMING to be saving the planet. HOGWASH!!!!
- Duncan Walker, Lucky to live in Thailand
Perhaps everyone who lives under the flight paths and/or with relatives or friends that live under the flight paths for Heathrow Airport should simply NEVER vote for Labour EVER again?
What the government should do is "tax" airline fuel first (at the same rate as petrol for road vehicles) and then 3-6 months this has come into effect carry our a survey to see if a third runway is still needed. I seriously doubt that there truly is currently a need but with "tax" on airline fuel there definitely will NOT be any such requirement!
- Fraser, Telford Park
'why do all contributors on here always write nu, rather than new, and often labor, instead of labour?'
- Fred, london
It's a sign of contempt Fred.
- Martin, Nr Reading, UK
why do all contributors on here always write nu, rather than new, and often labor, instead of labour?
- Fred, london
Just more of the same - you will do what GB says, be careful of leaks you could end in jail
- Richard, France
It will take ages to build employ lots of people correct decision
- Sheila, london uk
I take it that all those "rebel" MP's including Boris will be attendance at tonights protest then?..........no, I thought not.
- Jim, Heathrow
"GOOD"
- Mike,, London
I cannot believe that BAA is rewarded with such an expansion after the failure they consistently show to provide a decent service?? I mean what is the point opf adding runways if at the ground there is no security service, parkings or anything provided to help you through airport EFFICIENTLY?? I know Nu Labor wants their kickbacks but this is ridiculously blatnat mis-management. Nu Labor has to go! Londoners do not want more Heathrow there!!
- Win, London
Here's hoping that Gordo gives it the green light then!
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland
Does anybody seriously think Labour care what voters in the South-East think? They have done the electoral mathematics and now only pander to the less propserous areas dependent on government largesse or traditionally Labour areas. Proportional representation would bring a change of government, but might make the Lib Dems kingmakers which can't be good.
- Mark, London
Well if you do not listen to the whole of the local London population (does not want Heathrow there and did not want Olympic pit) you will not get any votes. That is why this government remains un-elected. Little like Mugabe...
- Georgie, London NW1
