Toby Says "NO" to Lydd Airport Expansion

Toby Philpott, Shepway Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman has reacted with astonishment at desperate Tory claims that he supports the Lydd Airport expansion plans. Toby Philpott is against the runway extension plans, unlike Conservative MP Michael Howard who has said he personally supports the proposals.

The Conservatives have issued a leaflet in parts on New Romney that appears to have wilfully misrepresented his views. It quotes the Shepway Liberal Democrat web site at www.shepwaylibdems.org.uk/articles/000036.html where he clearly states that "reasonable expansion within the existing runway" - but ignoring the "within the existing runway" section!

Toby Philpott said:

"I have always been against the planning application to extend the runway at Lydd and have always said so.

"These desperate Tory claims deserve the contempt of the people of Romney Marsh and I hope that local people will see them for what they are and send a very clear message to the Tories that such tactics will not be tolerated by electing Liberal Democrat Councillors on May 3rd.

"This is gutter politics at its worst. I am actively taking advice as to what steps I may be able to take against them to force them to put the record straight".

The Tory leaflet is seen as a sign of increasing desperation for the Conservative campaign on Romney Marsh. Many previously Conservative voters are furious that Conservative MP Michael Howard has said that he backs airport expansion, at odds with the huge majority of local residents who voted AGAINST it in the recent referendum.

At a press conference, Mr Howard said:

"The adverse consequences for a number of my constituents do not outweigh the wider benefits", adding "if the decision were mine, I would decide in favour of the proposals".