Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable has challenged Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to allow the Conservatives a free vote over the expansion of Heathrow. 

However, Grayling fudged his response, indicating the Conservatives will try to impose a three-line whip on an issue that badly divides his party.

This would open up huge divisions in the Cabinet. It has been reported that Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson will be ‘conveniently abroad’ at the time of the vote so that he will not be available to vote against expansion and therefore against the government.

Commenting, Vince Cable said: 

“There should be a free vote on Heathrow expansion. MPs must be allowed to vote with their consciences on an issue that has negative economic consequences across many regions of the country – as well as causing environmental problems locally and globally.

“Grayling’s failure to properly answer my question and not announce a free vote for the Conservatives is damning. This suggestion even offers the Conservatives a solution to one of their many Boris problems. Rather than hiding away abroad he would be able to do the right thing and vote against expansion.”

Notes:

Vince Cable’s question – followed by Chris Grayling’s response – starts at 13:11:16 at the following link.

https://parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/41170c74-7746-4828-bb95-bb0ff11356e0