Forum Topic

Intolerable noise and Ann Keen

The government's Civil Aviation Bill is going through Parliament at the moment. If it passes in its current form, the restrictions on the number of night flights to Heathrow will end in five years' time. The government wants to replace the current limits on the number of flights with a cap on the "cumulative amount" of noise - the number of flights multiplied by the noise created by each plane.What this means, is that in five years there will be many more planes taking off and landing when people are asleep. The government justifies this by claiming that modern aircraft are getting quieter.Last week the House of Lords threw out the government's plan, and voted to keep the existing limits. Now it's up to the MPs again -- will they reverse that defeat and reinstate the Government's "cumulative noise" plan?As far as our local MP, Ann Keen, the signs aren't good  See:http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/division.php?date=2005-10-10&number=50&mpn=Ann_Keen&mpc=Brentford+%26amp%3B+IsleworthLast October she proved her loyalty to the government (but not to the people in her constituency) and voted to abolish the current airplane limits. But she has another chance to convince us that she cares about our sleep being disturbed.I've written to her to ask her if she'll vote against the government when the Bill comes back to the Commons. I'll let you know if she replies, and what she says.

Julian Joyce ● 7010d8 Comments

Having played devil's advocate for Ann Keen's position on night flights before there seems to be little to be said for her on this issue. What I find inexplicable is how little effort is being made by the Government to explain to local people why these changes might be in their interest. In the absence of any convincing argument to the contrary it is reasonable of local people to assume that the Government measures will make our lives worse. It should be noted that the Council opposes them.

Dan Evans ● 7006d

"She can't seriously be blamed for opposing restrictions on night flights when you consider she is required to follow government policy...." What a ludicrous idea.Why on earth do we elect MPs if not to represent our interests? And don't we expect a good constituency MP to put our interests above those of the government, and big business? No-one forces Ann Keen to support the government's plan to disturb our sleep. She CHOOSES to do so, for reasons we can all speculate about.

Julian Joyce ● 7006d

Why is she required to follow Government policy? I thought that she was primarily required to represent the interests of her constituents. Other MPs such as John McDonnell are very active in this regard and voted against the measure in the Commons. What is galling is that Ann Keen presents herself as an opponent of Heathrow expansion but isn't prepared to use her vote when it matters.

Mike Hardacre ● 7006d

Ann keen showed her true colours last year when she turned up in support of a HACAN demonstration outside parliament. Curiously when it came to the vote she voted with the government to abolish the current limits on night flights. So one day she supports the residents of Hounslow in their fight to abolish night flights but the next day she goes behind their backs and votes for a bill that will increase night flights. And for the record I live in TW7 right under the flight path so don't start telling me that this issue has nothing to do with me.

Andrew Sibley ● 7006d

But this is a Brentford forum, or haven't you noticed?Ann Keen has a lot of support in Brentford and most of the sniping seems to come from the little Isleworth gang who can't accept that she is a good Member of Parliament who has worked hard for her constituency.She can't seriously be blamed for opposing restrictions on night flights when you consider she is required to follow government policy. She has been an outspoken opponent of increased night flights and surely that is what she should be judged on, not a lot of vicious and unsubstantiated gossip from a bunch of political know-nothings who don't even reside in Brentford.I am not in any way a political person and I don't support one party or another but these are things which need to be said.

Aaron Walter ● 7006d

No I'm from Brentford. What difference would it make any way. Isn't TW7 part of Ann Keen's constituency and affected by night flight disturbance as well?Do you think our MP should be supporting an increase in night flights?

Mike Hardacre ● 7006d

Interesting that Mr Hardcore uses his first ever post to make a political attack on Ann Keen. Wonder whereabouts in Brentford he is from, or would I be right in guessing TW7?

Aaron Walter ● 7006d

In my view she should be campaigning for getting rid of night flights altogether. It doesn't matter that modern planes are quieter they still wake you up. She would know that unless she is getting a good night's sleep in her Covent Garden flat.

Mike Hardacre ● 7006d