Hypocritical Labour MP Emily Thornberry bails out of aeroplanes vote

3.59.27pm GMT Thu 29th Jan 2009

The Heathrow expansion vote gets passed as Islington South MP abstains

Parliament voted this week on the Government's plans to expand Heathrow and increase its capacity by building a third runway. Liberal Democrat and Conservatives, backed by 28 rebel Labour MPs, attempted to put a stop to the Government's scheme. Islington's Labour MP Emily Thornberry had previously promised to oppose Heathrow expansion - but when it came to the vote she was nowhere to be seen. The absence of Labour MPs who publicly opposed the plans, but then bailed out on the vote, allowed the Government to defeat the motion.

Bridget Fox joins campaigners against Heathrow expansion

Bridget Fox, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Emily Thornberry's seat, has been campaigning against a third runway at Heathrow - even becoming co-owner of a plot of land at Heathrow where the new runway is planned to be built. Islington's Liberal Democrat council joined the 2M group of councils who are fighting the Government because of the direct effects of Heathrow expansion on Islington, which lies directly under the flight path.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Bridget Fox said:

"Islington South & Finsbury residents have been badly let down by Emily Thornberry. At a time when MPs from all parties are united to fight the expansion of Heathrow, Ms. Thornberry has put petty party politics ahead of standing up for local people and the fight against climate change.

"The government's support for Heathrow expansion leaves its green credentials in tatters. And any claim by Ms Thornberry to be a strong or independent voice for Islington is in tatters too."

Liberal Democrat councillor and environmental campaigner Greg Foxsmith said:

"People from across the political spectrum have worked together to stop this environmental catastrophe. Heathrow's annual CO2 emissions will rise by 10 million tonnes a year, making it the single biggest source of emissions in the country. And this decision will have a direct impact in terms of noise pollution on Islington - we're right under the flight path.

"The 2M Group of councils intends to continue the fight. We'll look out for our constituents' interests even if Emily Thornberry won't."

Related Link:

Heathrow vote: the rebel Labour MPs.