Articles and Speeches

Threat of Civil Aviation Bill
14-Oct-05, Windsor Express Article.

An MP’s job to represent residents’ interests in Parliament and try to safeguard and improve quality of life.

I continue to be concerned by the number of people who are disturbed by noisy flights at Heathrow. As a central Windsor resident I know firsthand how irritating and draining it is to have a good night’s sleep disturbed by noisy aircraft in the early hours.

Earlier this week, we debated the Civil Aviation Bill in Parliament. During the debate I was hopeful that noise and pollution levels would be reported on by a Commercial Flights Officer. Sadly this was not to be the case when Government Ministers rejected what was obviously a sensible measure. This begs the question how will people know whether or not noise and pollution levels are reducing in areas like ours near the airport.

There is another poison pill. Despite vigorous opposition from myself and many other colleagues during the debate, the Government were determined to railroad through a change that might allow more flights through the backdoor at Heathrow. This legislation changes key wording of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 which enables the flight limit at Heathrow to be changed.

For those of us who have been campaigning with local organisations and in Parliament, it has been a frustrating battle.

I am determined to fight on for a better quality of life for Heathrow’s residents. I would urge the Local Authority and airport action groups to join with me in the campaign.