Slaughter resigns on Heathrow

A few days ago I posted the comments of Andrew Slaughter, the MP for the northern part of next-door Hammersmith & Fulham, setting out his opposition to Heathrow.

Andy has now resigned his government position so that he can advocate for his position against the expansion of Heathrow, which he was unable to do from within Government.

Clearly his position is different to Justine Greening's who is choosing to hang onto her Opposition frontbench job and is presumably content with the Conservatives' muddled and contradictory policy on aviation.

This is the letter Andy is sending to his constituents explaining his decision:

Dear Resident,

I am writing personally to explain why I have resigned from the Government over the decision to allow the 3rd runway to be built at Heathrow.As a lifelong resident and elected representative here for almost 25 years, I feel this issue is so important that I need the freedom to continue campaigning against Heathrow expansion.

As Labour MP for Ealing, Acton and Shepherds Bush, I continue to support the Government as it works to lead Britain out of recession. This year will, I believe, see the biggest investment ever in schools, hospitals and public transport.But my first duty as an MP is to you. I have fought many local campaigns in recent years: to keep post offices and our job centre open; against the licensing of sex clubs; and to stop cuts in vital council services.
Heathrow is a bigger issue, but not a new one. I have battled airport expansion for 20 years. Heathrow's owners promised there would be no expansion after Terminal 5. Now they want a 3rd runway and 6th terminal. Like many local people, I say enough is enough.

Ministers are insisting that stringent noise and pollution limits are met before the new runway can be used, and that use of existing runways will not grow. But Heathrow will seek a way to break these promises once again.
Thousands of us could be affected by all-day aircraft noise, not to mention the impact on the wider environment. Opposition from residents and green groups means that we can stop a 3rd runway being built. I assure you that my fight against it will go on.

I hope you agree that I have made the right decision.

Yours faithfully

Andy Slaughter MP

For more visit http://www.andyslaughter.com/