Kramer: Refusing vote on Heathrow undermines democracy

10.44.00am GMT Tue 24th Feb 2009

The Liberal Democrats will today table a 10-Minute Rule Bill demanding that Parliament vote on any proposed major airport expansion. It is expected that the Bill will receive backing from many Labour and Conservative MPs.

The Bill is being introduced by Susan Kramer, who leads the Liberal Democrats' campaign against the expansion of Heathrow.

Commenting, Susan Kramer said:

"It is an absolute disgrace that the Government believes it can force through controversial policies that will have such a devastating impact on our future without allowing Parliament to have its say.

"A third runway at Heathrow will be a climate change catastrophe. Politicians on all sides have raised fundamental concerns, but their voices have been stifled by the Government.

"This is an issue of democracy as much as it is an issue of climate change.

"The Liberal Democrats believe any future airport expansion should be put to a vote in Parliament, and we are confident many Labour and Conservative MPs feel the same way."