CAMPBELL'S TOP PRIORITY TO POLITICAL REFORM

I am absolutely delighted that Ming Campbell has been elected, with such a commanding majority and with such a good turnout. Throughout his leadership campaign he has given special emphasis to the need for radical political reform. There is a real crisis in our democracy.

During the course of the recent campaign, Ming has emphasised our renewed determination to reinvigorate and reconnect the citizens of our country with their democratic institutions.  

SEVERE RISK FROM TOXIC FUMES

IN AIRCRAFT

The threat posed to travellers and crew from air contamination in aircraft is “a disaster waiting to happen” said Lord Tyler today (Wednesday).

The issue of poisonous fumes in aircraft is not a new one but the Government’s response lacks any degree of urgency. “The Government may have fooled itself that all is well, but nobody else is reassured.”

Following reports from the Pilots’ Association (BALPA) of evidence of air contamination, a series of answers from Ministers to Lord Tyler have highlighted major discrepancies between the number of incidents being reported to the Civil Aviation Authority and the true scale of the problem. One aircraft in particular the BAe 146, which has been the subject of a series of contamination incidents, is still used by The Queen’s Flight. “Of seven incidents involving the BAe 146 aircraft the Minister replied the CAA ‘has no record of a contaminated air incident’ in FIVE cases. Why Not?” commented Lord Tyler