Stansted Airport: Sir Alan Haselhurst speaks out at Prime Minister’s Questions

Nick Thompson

Published: 11:52 AM June 18, 2010 Updated: 6:42 PM November 1, 2020

UTTLESFORD MP Sir Alan Haselhurst made a welcome return to the back benches on Wednesday (June 16) as he questioned the Prime Minister on expansion at Stansted Airport.

Fresh after stepping down as deputy speaker the 73-year-old parliamentarian got straight down to business by taking on David Cameron at Prime Minister’s questions.

To the sound of cheers in the commons, he said: “Despite the huge satisfaction in my constituency with the government’s decision not to proceed with expansion at Stansted Airport, the blight and uncertainty still hangs over the communities closest to the airport.

“Can my right honourable friend give assurances and take measures to cease the blight for future generations.”

It was the first question Sir Alan has been able to ask in the house because he has spent the majority of the last two decades as deputy speaker – meaning he has to remain impartial on all subjects and does not sit on the benches with other MPs.

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In response to the question Mr Cameron said he would be looking into the Stansted situation and said that “he hopes to end the blight and uncertainty.”

He added: “It is good to see my right honourable friend is once able to talk about these issues and I’m sure he will do so in future with great power and influence.”