PRESS RELEASE 9 TH MAY 2006

HOUNSLOW MPs WELCOME NIGHT FLIGHTS CONCESSION

Ann Keen MP, Member of Parliament for Brentford & Isleworth, and Alan Keen MP, Member of Parliament for Feltham & Heston, welcomed the move by Aviation Minister, Derek Twigg MP, to keep night flight movements at Heathrow at current levels up until 2012.

The Aviation Minister also confirmed that there will be no increase in aircraft movements at Heathrow at night beyond 2012 without prior consultation.

During the debate on the Civil Aviation Bill at the House of Commons, the Aviation Minister acknowledged the strong lobbying by Ann & Alan Keen which has led to the announcement of the concession.

The Bill was originally drafted to empower the Secretary of State to allow increased night flight movements and government refused to accept amendments at the second reading. Councillor Ruth Cadbury lobbied heavily in the Lords and the Upper House passed a helpful amendment but it was clear that the government would use its majority to delete it when it returned to the Commons. The concession relating to night flights at Heathrow by the minister has been welcomed by Hounslow Council.

Ann & Alan Keen said,

"It was generally expected that the government would reject the amendment made in the House of Lords but we met with the Secretary of State two weeks ago and continued discussions right up to the commencement of the debate yesterday with ministers. We made a very strong case and we are delighted that the Government listened to the representations we made.

We would like to thank Councillor Ruth Cadbury for the major contribution she has made towards achieving this. We will continue to campaign against, what has been until now, support by all governments for relentless expansion at Heathrow. Government has committed not to raise the number of aircraft movements at night from 2006 to 2012 and has promised a full public consultation to look at the position after that.

We will continue to campaign on behalf of our constituents on air transport issues at Heathrow. Obviously, there are more problems to address but we feel that this success is a significant breakthrough which will help set a precedent. It shows what can be achieved when we work together with others. In addition to Cllr Ruth Cadbury, we would also like thank John Stewart at HACAN for the continuing work that he contributes week after week."

Notes to Editors:

1) A transcript of the debate on the Civil Aviation Bill, containing the Minister's announcement about Heathrow, can be found at:

http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060508/debtext/60508-08.htm#06050820000168