Messrs Sharma and Slaughter are to be congratulated on resigning their posts to oppose the third runway.
As Virendra Sharma rightly pointed out, cross party opposition is vital if this monstrosity is not to be inflicted on us.
It was therefore very unfortunate of Lib-Dem Councillor Gary Malcolm to be so churlish in his remarks about the two MPs' resignations. I'm glad that Jason Stacey wisely disassociated himself from them. I'm also pleased to see that Steve Pound has finally come out in opposition as well. What a pity therefore that he abstained in the recent vote in the House of Commons.
I am however somewhat baffled by his remarks that "nothing will operate from the airport unless environmental standards are met". Are we to assume that Sipson, Harlington and Harmondsworth will be devastated to build a new runway, which will then remain unused until some new algae-powered 'green' aircraft is developed in 20 to 30 years' time?
The uncomfortable truth for local Labour MPs is that Gordon Brown will move heaven and earth to expand Heathrow.
The planning laws have already been changed to facilitate projects like this and civil servants have been engaged for years in ever more ingenious schemes to circumvent restrictions on noise and pollution (for example, by building a tunnel over the M4). Brown has ignored the fact that the vast majority of people responding to the 'consultation' have opposed Heathrow expansion, and he now seems prepared to sacrifice parliamentary seats around the airport as well.
Clearly he regards the interests of Richard Branson, Colin Matthews and Willie Walsh as more important than those of Steve Pound, Virendra Sharma and Andrew Slaughter, even though all three have always faithfully supported his government.
What a reward for loyalty!
DAVE ROBINS
West Drayton
