Welcome to your local community website...

Government defeated in Heathrow vote

Posted by Robert Cumber on Feb 24, 09 05:57 PM in People

Last Thursday's protest Plans to expand Heathrow suffered a fresh blow today as the Government lost a vote on expansion.

It was defeated 247-203 in a non-binding bill, introduced under the 10-minute rule by Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer, calling for the decision on a third runway to be made in the Commons.

John Stewart, chairman of protest group HACAN, said: "This bill will not become law but the vote is yet another blow for a government already on the ropes over its plans for new runways."

The Government is not required to hold a vote over plans for a third runway and thousands more flights at the airport, which were approved by transport minister Geoff Hoon last month.

The vote follows last Thursday's protests in central London by pro and anti-expansionists.

Rival demonstrators called on Gordon Brown to either drop - or push ahead with - plans for a third runway.

Pressure group Campaign Against Climate Change (CACC) organised an opposition demo outside Downing Street, while pro-expansion group Modern Movement rallied support simultaneously at nearby Parliament Square.

Both groups said they were satisfied with the number of supporters although CACC saw a greater turnout with nearly 200 protestors attending.

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos