Forum Topic

The Keens Heathrow Consultation Meeting on Saturday

This Saturday 16th Feb from 11.30am - 3pm at the Paul Robeson Theatre in the Treaty Centre Hounslow.Anyone else popping along? I will be interested to see if the Keens actually speak and also to hear exactly without any spin where they stand on this massive issue.

Paul Fisher ● 6373d46 Comments

Steve,It's a public meeting so Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Dakers is invited along with any other members of the public.If he does come, I am sure he will be more warmly welcomed by Mary Macleod than he was treated by Ann Keen !

David Giles ● 6367d

Has Andrew Dakers been invited too?

Steve Taylor ● 6368d

DuncanThank you.It will be interesting to see if Ann Keen MP, Lord Soley and a representative of BAA turn up to speak.

David Giles ● 6368d

The meeting is at 7.30pm, this is from Mary's blog:"Heathrow Community meeting in Isleworth I am organising a public community meeting on the Government’s plans for expansion at Heathrow on:Thursday, 21 February 2007 at 7.30pm, Isleworth Working Men’s Club, St. John’s Road (near Twickenham Road junction).The government is currently consulting with local residents on plans for massive expansion at Heathrow Airport by building a third runway, a sixth terminal and ending runway alternation. Aircraft noise will be worse than ever as flight numbers will increase by more than 50% and you will lose the current half day's relief from aircraft flying over your homes and schools.This meeting is a chance for you to make your views heard before the consultation period ends on 27th February. Do tell friends and neighbours to come along and hear the real facts.Speakers: John Stewart, Chairman of HACAN, Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow Council’s lead member for aviationChaired by: Mary Macleod, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Brentford & IsleworthAnn Keen MP, Lord Soley (Future Heathrow) and Mark Bullock (BAA) have also been invited to attend and speak."

Duncan Walker ● 6368d

JimWhat time is Mary Macleod's meeting at the Isleworth Working Men's Club, St John's Road on Thursday 21st February 2008 ?

David Giles ● 6369d

Thanks Paul and all,My reports are no match for the high powered intelligent ones of other posters on here and on the W4 Forum..but my simply inputs maybe help to stir the porridge!There's a huge need for the remainder of the local population to respond to the issue.  Is it just the NO!s who are being heard and attend meetings?  The Keen's reported proudly that some 1000 responses had been received following the INFORMER NEWSPAPER promotion....just 3% ??Those that did attend Saturday seemed to be the local intelligencia as all the question seemed to me to be high quality.Have you since realised that there was probably a strong GMB Trades Union presence on that top table and at the entrance barrier. A Google search suggests that both Mr and Mrs Keen are members of that Union, the YES man Charles King is I guess a full time GMB Union man, the woman who initially barred me from entering is a GMB Union official..and I have a hunch that Steve the Chairman is too.(do Forum search).There was not a Hounslow Council NO! poster on view, nor a show of hands about YES/NO intentions, but attendees would have been comforted that the Keens took and answered questions..and indicated which side of the fence they sat. But Mrs Keen still had her hestitations..perhaps because of her GMB obligations.Her spat with Andrew Dakers was regretable but it will give him added vemom when he tours the area...and comments to others on what he thinks of the MP. Mrs Keen should have some respect for the chap who is doing so much for her Brentford Town shouldn't she!!. It adds to the Conservative's case too that see should be replaced by Mary Macleod.John Stewart reminded everyone that the Central Hall meeting is a must for as many as possible..and a sight of an overflow of campaigners on the pavements outside would help too.  Lobbying Mr and Mrs Keen across the road before the meeting is planned I believe.Mary Macleaod's meeting is this Thursday 21st Feb in Isleworth, at the Working Men's Club in St John's Road.

Jim Lawes ● 6369d

Excellent report of the days proceedings Jim and good to see you again as always.It was a poor turnout as you say but the publicity was unfortunately quite poor at least in my opinion and I am sure many were unaware of the event.Mr and Mrs Keen did state they were against a third runway and also any further expansion and I did ask them if they wished to update their website and perhaps issue a press release to this end as I and I am sure many others were and still are confused by the pandering to the unions and the potential loss of their votes and even I guess financial backing in the future.Mr Keen informed me when responding to my question that he does indeed read these forums and notices many "liars" on here which I thought was quite rude but not as bad as Mrs Keen swearing at Cllr Dakers when he approached her to ask her a question after the meeting.About ten local Cllrs from all groups were present and the meeting was ably Chaired by Steve Curran who is now Acting Chair of the local Labour Party and has replaced our old friend Alan Sheerins who I was informed has returned to Ireland.Very briefly,the Union chap Charles King from the GMB spoke the biggest load of rubbish but fair play to the man for being the only one brave enough to put the pro-expansion point of view.

Paul Fisher ● 6369d

Thanks for the feedback Jim. As expected, there is an expected but depressing lack of leadership from them to come out strongly against the expansion. I feel MPs won't stop this, nor objections by constituents, but what will, will be the embarrassment for Brown for wrong policy and bad business decisions. The policy decisions would be about global warming and Peak-Oil implications. The business decisions would be about the business case of the proposal and if wrong the fall-out to the Government. The business case is based on some very suspicious data, such as the cost of oil at $60 and also the high growth of air travel. Also the viability of the owners of BAA is not looking to good at the moment.Another factor could be the image of a Government not in tune with the key dangers of today which can be seen by the voters. If the other political parties capitalise on this, then depending on the Government's popular standing, it could be a factor.So our best shot is to help to keep visible the Government's bad policy and endorsement of bad business decisions. There's been some excellent information on forums like this one and the Chiswick one and in the press.The M2 local council group, especially our own, and organisations like HACAN are doing a sterling job and I'll be supporting them this Thursday at the Isleworth meeting and also at the Westminster Rally on the 25th.We can stop this expansion. It is just plain wrong.

Duncan Walker ● 6369d

David Willetts (Conservative MP for Havant and Shadow Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills ) didn't endear himself to me at the Any Questions from Cranford :"  WILLETTS... although I recognise this will not be welcome by this audience we have to accept that for - there are large numbers of communities around this country who accept a road expansion that they don't want or a motorway that they don't want, things sometimes have to happen that people don't wish. And I recognise how unfortunate it is if there's anything we can do as we look at the environment impact that shows that this is or is not necessary so be it but we cannot allow, sadly, one community - however badly affected - to stop if there is a strong economic argument."What if there is only a flimsy economic argument ?

Tim Henderson ● 6369d

Interesting points made by John Connelly. Just where exactly does Cameron stand on this issue?  Perhaps he should pay a visit to communities near Heathrow and tell us?

Steve Taylor ● 6369d

Mary Macleod, like yourself and I, will be irrelevant to the Commons debate over whether a third runway is built, David. On the other hand, David Wilshire, the Tory MP for Spelthorne, will have a vote in the Commons.According to him, "there is a shortage of comment from the silent majority living near Heathrow......One result of my efforts was the ability to tell the Terminal 5 Inspector that about 75% of my constituents supported the new terminal.......I believe I have proof that a majority of those who elected me back the government's proposals (for a 3rd runway).....those of my constituents who own their own homes just know how much they cost and that the sky-high values owe much to the airport....I keep being told that Heathrow will prosper if it stays as it is. Tell that to the London dockers..."All this and more can be gleaned from his article in the Hounslow Informer of 15th February 2008.David, if you were seriously opposing airport expansion and not playing juvenile Party Politics you would be prioritising bringing your own Tory MP's into line and getting your leader, David Cameron, to come off the fence on the issue. It is too important to be treated as a playground game.

John Connelly ● 6370d

The dear old mary is only intrested in getting votes..the conservatives will roll over at the first chance,,who are you trying kid Mr Giles...The labour party locally have always been against expansion when you lot where complainig against the cost to protest and do something about the issue, its amazing how the tune changes when vote's might come into play on an issue...

Dave Hughes ● 6370d

Thanks JimI knew about the meeting but chose not to attend because I consider the Keens to be irrelevant to this issue and to attend would only give them the credibilty they don't deserve. In contrast to Ann Keen, who as usual has done nothing, Mary Macleod has distributed thousands of leaflets opposing Heathrow Expansion.In addition it is possible that I would have been refused admission because of my well known opposition to the Keens.Our Council and all the other West London Councils are doing a very good job on this issue. The Keens are irrelevant and cannot be trusted.We now depend on getting a new Conservative Mayor and Government elected in order to stop Heathrow Expansion.I understand that Mr Keen employs one of his sons. In that event it is good news that one of them was actually working yesterday. The Keens are very discredited at the moment within the Labour Party and I would not be surprised if they both retire soon.Paul Robesom is one of my childhood heroes. It is a pity that the theatre named after him was used by the Keens for such an ineffectual meeting. Let' s make sure they paid for the hire.

David Giles ● 6370d

There are several reports of the meeting on the Chiswick Forum.  More pictures there too..mostly different ones.The audience were pleased to hear that Mr Keen was firmly against the plans.He is clearly a NO! (to more Expansion) man.Here is an interesting snap taken with the Ixus 500 Cannon camera.

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

Repeating!! Are you listening to me..I'm the Union man!

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

-----------------------------------------------------------The cheerful lady facing was the one who wouldn't let me in !! Amazing. I'll tell the grandchildren!------------------------------------------------------------An official came out to give me an immediate all clear..and he then accompanied me down the passgeway to the auditorium  He turned out to be Mr Alan Keen's son.  Thank goodness there were two Hounslow Councillors around otherwise I might have had to return home!!------------------------------------------------------The meeting didn't start for some half hour...perhaps waiting for another H28 to arrive outside!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Now are you all listening to me? I'm the Union man.The GMB chappie Charles King was no friend of the real NO! camp. He wanted Expansion and more jobs.  See the reports on the W4.com Forum.---------------------------------------------------------With all that distress caused by lost and mishandled baggage at Heathrow when there are "only" 473,000 flights a year..how are this chap's mates going to cope when runway alternation ends (up to 540,000)..the 3rd runway gets built (up to 702,000)..or when the authorites wangle an increase to over 800,000 flights!.-----------------------------------------------------Thank the Lord for Mr John Stewart (HACAN)-----------------------------------------------------

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

What's that place like? I've only been there say twice in the past 20 odd years!  Will it be scruffy and 'orrid?----------------------------------------------------------Wow! Cleaner and brighter than I thought!----------------------------------------------------------Upstairs we have to go......Most impressive..and look at the size of the Library..huge!!-----------------------------------------------------------The way to the Paul Robson theatre is through a cafe..that's promising! ;0)-----------------------------------------------------------Morning gentlemen, is this the queue for Mrs Keen's meeting?"It starts in 15 minutes ..I thought there'd be hundreds waiting..just the two of you? -----------------------------------------------------------There was time for a fill English breakfast. Only give it 2/10 sadly. (Thnaks for the coffee Paul!). Will things get better?------------------------------------------------------------The barrier chain is removed, the doors open, a team of young slim greeters move into place..together with a few others...then three policemen arrive. ------------------------------------------------------------I presented my body to a middle aged lady (who turned out to be a GMB Union offical) ..and she requested my name and address and phone number..probably e-mail too..asked "WHO I was from!"  I declined her request saying that I was just a member of the public..which I am...and she refused to let me in!!She would have to go and ask somebody she said!!

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

Any photo's Jim?

Steve Taylor ● 6370d

Saturday morning..10.15amThe bedside alarm goes off..must dash to get to the Paul Robson Theatre on time.. never been there before!Missed breakfast..and no point taking the car and paying some £10 or more for 5 hours in a car park.  Let's try that local Tesco bus!Wow, the H28 takes you to the door of the Treaty Centre in 'orrible Hounslow. What will it be like? It's all new!! ;0)

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

""Evidently only about 50 attended ! That says so much about the popularity and influence of our local MP's""To be honest David it's more a sad reflection of the inepidtude of the local population who by and large aren't too seemingly bothered about what's going on around them.As John Stewart(HACAN) said today this Hounslow area will be "seriously hit by NOISE if it all goes ahead..new take-off flight paths over Brentford" and all that.I disagree with you that the Keen's Meeting was a waste of time. I certainly could have used the time to attend to more urgent matters..but for the Keen's to have been questioned and answered by a high quality..but small audience..was much needed in this cross-party campaign to stop Ruth Kelly, Dept for Transport, BA and BAA, and the Unions.. to rough ride over us. Thank goodness John Stewart exists!But I'm a Barbara Reid and Mary Macleod supporter..where thethere are no grey areas. Its al NO! NO! NO!It was a first visit for me to the Paul Robson Theatre and it was an added pleasure to meet Tim H for the first time (Hi Tim) and Iris from Wolseley Gardens, and the Major from the Butts and the Dakers family, and Cllrs Shirley and Paul Fisher, and Christine Quick (great photographer)..and Mr Todd..and an old friend Phil working at the Tourist Ofice counter on the ground floor.  Isn't that Central Library enormous..I must return.David: It wasn't confirmed if Mrs Keen is still receiving sponsorship from the GMB Union. She was once. The Union's stance in wanting expansion doesn't really go hand in hand with dosh to OUR MP who is being asked to say NO!..does it.You could have turned up and asked the question!!Gossip-mongers will be interested to know that the Keen's were supported by a team of slim young "toffs", donned in suit and tie..who normally work in their Westminster offices.  Mr Keen's son David was the sheepdog..keeping them all on their toes.

Jim Lawes ● 6370d

I was tempted to attend as this would have been a rare opportunity to see and hear the Keens in person but I decided that the meeting would probably be a waste of time as Ann Keen will be voting with the Government in favour of Heathrow Expansion irrespective of what her constituents think. Evidently only about 50 attended ! That says so much about the popularity and influence of our local MP'sThere was little or no publicity about this meeting other than postings on this forum so it is not surprising that the attendance was so small.It seems as if the Keens arranged this meeting solely for their own benefit and not for the benefit of their constituents."A meeting for the sake of a meeting ".The failure of BAA to send a speaker shows  how little influence the Keens have and how BAA sees the Keens as being irrelevant. BAA have probably decided that the Keens will lose their seats or retire at the next election.The Government and BAA will have taken far more notice of the much larger meetings organised by Hounslow Council and all over West London.The GMB trade union which supports Heathrow Expansion has for many years supported and contributed large sums of money to the Labour Party in Hounslow and to the Keens' election campaigns. I am sure this influences the Keens- despite what they may say.Did Ann Keen say anything ?I wonder who paid for the hire of the Paul Robeson Theatre for this Keen Fiasco ? The GMB ? Or the taxpayers - through the Keens ' expenses ?

David Giles ● 6371d

At least this web site will have a bit of peace for an hour or 2..Sorry Jim I wont be able to show you to your chair as I am at work today.

Dave Hughes ● 6371d

...so how will it turn out!! ?I've managed to get up early for starters..and it's sunny outside..what will be the best way to spend the day?Ah, an opportunity to see our MPs in action. 11.30am!How will they answer 100 questions? Will non-Labour Councillors be there? See you in the front row Paul!

Jim Lawes ● 6371d

It may well be a waste of time Jim but I am curious to see if they will actually answer any questions on the subject and to see if they are willing to clear up their position once and for all.I have a sneaking feeling though that they will not be doing any speaking at all and this is just a publicity stunt unfortunately.

Paul Fisher ● 6372d

Did any of you see Tom's letter to the Editor.Someone should scan it and post it here. He conveyed a different view about all the Consultations..suggesting that the Government will just pass over all our comments and only pay attention to the Commercial big boys..and he gave examplesof such treatment in the past.Will a day spent at Mrs Keen's meeting be of benefit or a waste of time if you are a busy person?

Jim Lawes ● 6372d

Paul,Thank you for trying to find out about the events on Saturday. It does concern me that they are still so vague about things at this late stage.Funnily enough I received a reply from Mrs. Keen today in response to my letter regarding Heathrow expansion. I must admit though, the contents do not exactly fill me with joy. In the letter she says "I am opposed to a third runway in principle. Although I hope you agree it is also my duty as an MP to consider the economic information submitted by the airline industry and Department of Transport".To me this gives Mrs. Keen a get out clause in much the same way as holding a "Consultation Conference". I fear that simply passing on our views to Ruth Kelly is just an exercise in discharging her responsibility to her constituants. I would much prefer that she would catagorically state that she is against any future expansion at Heathrow and was seen to be actively campaigning on behalf of her constituents.Having said all of that I will still be attending the event on Saturday as I am not prepared to give up taht easily. I live directly under the flight path and feel that I have a duty to my children to do all that I can to ensure that they can look forward to a future where they are not constantly interupted by aircraft noise when they are at school or woken up at 4.30 every morning by 747's coming in from the far east. I would also urge as many people as possible to attend this meeting on Saturday to make their views known.

Andrew Sibley ● 6373d

Ha ha... touche

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

And the reply from Mrs Keens office is as follows which hints to me they have not decided which route to take and they will not be speaking and have no idea who will be!!Dear Cllr Fisher, Thank you for confirming to us that you will be attending Ann and Alan’s Consultation event this Saturday. Our office has not yet announced the panel of speakers. The event has been designed to present a balanced discussion of the issues involved with Heathrow expansion. Kind regards Will HardyOffice of Ann Keen MPTel: 020 7219 2512Fax: 020 7219 2233

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

5,000 Green Books in actual fact, I'd let you have one but I don't think it's really up your street.  I have another book somewhere which might be more your thing.  I'll drop it round, and you can colour it in at your convenience.

Phil Andrews ● 6373d

Its a bit rich from sombody who wanted to get money from Gadafi and all he got was a green book.

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

LOL,Dave you are fantastic entertainmentthough I`m sure you dont intend being so.Please keep it up.

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

Its a shame Comrade Brown wants to be such pals with them eh Dave?

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

Are these events held in Covent Garden as nobody ever sees either of them apart from a photo in the paper?They both blatently refused to attend any hustings events and still to this day refuse to discuss their discraceful expenses.Champagne Socialists both of them laughing at us poor mugs paying for their lifestyle with people like you attempting to defend them.

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

Well you two are the biggest Toadies for them, since the last election nobody has heard a peep from them the only people who seem to suck up to thier lords and masters are the ICG.I starting to think Paul should be called the Toe...I am sure you can explain that one to him.

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

DaveI can't understand why you feel Councillor Fisher would feel it necessary to explain the alleged Conservative Party "bood" money as, to my knowledge at least, he is not a member of that party.I do however note your last comment.  Is it now the New Labour Party's contention that Community Group votes in favour of the latest budget savings were purchased by a company with links to the oil industry in the Sudan?  I do hope you appreciate just how deeply you are digging yourself, and your cronies, in here?

Phil Andrews ● 6373d

China was facing a major international crisis linked to the Olympics Thursday amid mounting pressure over its role in Darfur after US filmmaker Steven Spielberg severed his links to the Games. Its a pity the Tories will not come clean.

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

Its funny how I seem to meet them all the time in the community and at events, we only ever see the ICG when they are lurking in dark corners with people like Parmod Kad by the way have you reported his huge extension to the planning officer yet..

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

Did not Comrade Brown just visit China who are pro-longing the genocide in Darfur or do you agree with that?

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

Its the only chance that 99% of us will ever get to actually see a Keen in person so I will not be missing my chance,how about you?

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

After reading private eye you may be intrested to know who funds the Tories..£400.000 Pounds since 2004 has come from Fidelity Investment Management and why should this money be Blood Money, this company has links to the oil industry in Sudan..the very same industry that funds the Sudanese Militia responsible for genocide in Darfur. Fidelity claims its has divested however The Sudan Divestment Task Force estimated Fidelity still has 606m invested via the Hong Kong market..What is the price of your vote..

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

For someone who voted not to have anything to do with the Keens its seems you are falling all over yourselve to be at the meeting where the keens are is the green eyed monster appearing here or what.

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

Anyway back to the issue in hand!! I have e-mailed the Keens as follows so hopefully they may come back with a response or perhaps someone could have a word with them?Good morning, I am planning to attend Mr and Mrs Keens Consultation event on Saturday at the Treaty Centre this but can you please confirm if they will actually be speaking as I am still confused by their position on this matter, and also what speakers have been invited? Kind regards Cllr Paul Fisher

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

I dont recall seeing you at any of our meetings ex Cllr Hughes but then again the Hughes clan are not that fond of attending meetings anyway are they?

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

Sounds a bit like an ICG meeting then, you know you should not judge others by your own standards..

Dave Hughes ● 6373d

I fear you may be right and the fact that the publicity does not state they will actually be speaking and other speakers are "to be announced" does not fill me with any confidence.

Paul Fisher ● 6373d

You are expecting a lot from them aren't you? I can't see them straying away from their party line, which seems to be seen to be listening to their constituents by conducting a 'survey'. They have recently been very quiet on the issue apart from this photo opportunity.I think they just want to show they have had a meeting with some people turning up.

Duncan Walker ● 6373d