GOVERNMENT REFUSES PARLIAMENTARY VOTE ON HEATHROW EXPANSION
Government runs scared of Galloway move for vote on Heathrow expansion
Amid unprecedented parliamentary scenes this afternoon Respect MP George Galloway sought to force a vote in effect on the controversial expansion plans for Heathrow. The government avoided it only by refusing to provide tellers for their side of the division.
George Galloway seized the chance when fellow left wing MP John McDonnell was removed from the chamber for protesting at the government’s decision not to allow a proper vote. MPs can be expeled from the chamber by being “named” by the speaker, Galloway sought to use the opportunity of the speaker “naming” another MP, to force a vote.
“The deputy speaker ‘named’ John McDonnell,” says Galloway, “Under the procedure he then calls a vote for the named MP to be removed. “Up to now no one has ever said no in such a vote and it’s been a formality.
“I repeated shouted no and the chair had to call a formal division. In effect that would have been a recorded vote on the expansion itself, which, amongst other things, is going to cause immense upheaval and pollution in John’s constituency above all others.
“The government whips were taken aback and decided to avoid a division by refusing to put counters in on their side.
“Talk about not having the courage of your convictions.”
Blairism in action.
Comment by James — 15 January, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
The Labour Party showing, once again, that it is in the pocket of Murdoch and the other Corporate Looters.
Labour MPs, the best that Murdoch can buy!
Comment by ANiN — 15 January, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
Disgusting stuff from Brown, John McDonnell MP wonderful man, we will all be digging into resist this.
Comment by Derek Wall — 15 January, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
The Tories will also agree to new runway just wait and see
John McDonnell (yes he is a Labour MP) was worryingly ultra recently so good to see him doing something ALL of his electors will be pleased with
His done great work on this campaign and should reap the credit
Anyone who knows this area of west london knows they will fight every inch of the way
we need to build community opposition not have any faith in the Law
Comment by sean — 16 January, 2009 @ 5:38 pm