Gordon Brown questioned over vote on third runway (From Hillingdon Times)

Gordon Brown questioned over vote on third runway

10:05pm Wednesday 14th January 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

JOHN Randall MP pressed Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's questions today for any further expansion at Heathrow to go to a Commons vote.

He said: "You will recall on February 27 last year you said: 'The message should go out today very clearly that decisions in this country should be made in the chamber of this House and not on the roof of this House.'

"Will you now make a pledge that any further expansion at Heathrow will have a vote in this chamber?"

But Gordon Brown would only confirm there would be a debate. He said: "There was a decision in principle, subject to air noise, subject to pollution and subject to access. The secretary of state is examining this matter, he will report to Parliament.

"There will be a debate about what he says in the questions that follow, if the matter was accepted and a proposal was put by the secretary of state it would go to a planning inquiry."

Around 50 Labour MPs, as well as the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, oppose the expansion plans.

A decision is expected on the third runway tomorrow (Thursday).

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)