“Government must answer on planning” – Rogerson
North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson has said the Government will regret its decision to oppose an opportunity for Parliament to be able to vote on applications for planning developments such as nuclear power stations and airport expansion.
Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday (20th May) the Cornish MP pressed to allow MPs to be able to vote on proposals for nationally significant infrastructure projects. However the Government refused to listen and have pushed ahead with their plans to deny Members the chance to amend proposals.
In current plans, National Policy Statements, which provide the framework for how major infrastructure projects are implemented, will be examined by either a relevant Select Committee or a specially appointed committee. The findings will be debated in Parliament by all Members but unless they are part of the committee’s quorum, they will not be allowed to make any alterations or take a vote.
Commenting Mr Rogerson said:
“These are decisions that will have a far reaching effect in the areas in which they are implemented. Local people need to know that where there are extensive plans in their community, say for airport expansion, their elected representatives will have the ability to speak up for them in Parliament.
“The Government’s decision to oppose this is yet another example of how out of touch they are with the concept of democratic accountability and the right of people to have a say in decisions that affect their lives.”
