Surrey Conservatives say more information is needed on the proposed expansion of Heathrow (22nd January)

At the meeting of SCC on Tuesday 22nd January it was agreed that more information was needed in order for Members to make a considered judgement on the proposed expansion of Heathrow Airport.

Nick Skellett, Leader of SCC, stated his belief that for a good, proper and informed debated Members needed to be better acquainted with the relevant facts.

Responding to a motion tabled by opposition councillors, Mr. Skellett argued: “we are not, currently, in a position to make an informed contribution to this debate. Officers are currently preparing a briefing paper for Members, and a seminar has been arranged that all Members are free to attend in early February. At this juncture, however, any comments we were to make would not be as informed as I believe they should be.

The issue will now go before the Environment and Transport Select Committees, as well as the Runnymede and Spelthorne Local Committees, and possibly other Local Committees. It will also go before the Executive, and any Member is entitled to attend either of the Select Committees or the Executive and make comments.

This is a very important issue, and there are a number of factors to be considered before any formal representations are made”.

On the specific wording of the Motion Mr. Skellett commented: “this motion, as currently worded, would commit Surrey County Council to opposing any expansion of Heathrow Airport at any point in the future. That would, in my view, not be a sensible action to take.

As I have said, before a proper debate on the current proposals can be held we need to ensure that the relevant facts are known”.

Members agreed that the Motion should be referred to the various committees mentioned above in order that a more informed debate take place at a future Council Meeting.