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Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

17 January 2008

Last Thursday, the Government announced its decision to allow more nuclear power stations to be built. I welcomed the announcement which is obviously of particular relevance to us in Shepway because of the possibility of a new nuclear power station at Dungeness.

Recently, however, British Energy, the company that owns Dungeness B, has objected to the proposals to expand Lydd Airport on the grounds that this might increase the risk both to the existing power station and any future stations on the site.

So I asked the Secretary of State, in Parliament on Thursday, whether, in view of his statement, he would ask his colleague, the Secretary of State for Communities, to call in the Airport’s planning application and hold a Public Inquiry, so that it s implications for Dungeness, and other aspects of our local environment could be subjected to independent scrutiny.

Regular readers will know that I have long been in favour of a Public Inquiry into the airport’s proposals. In my view these latest developments strengthen the case for an Inquiry and I have written to the secretary of State for Communities making this point.

On Friday, I visited Grace School at Grace Hill, Folkestone. This is a very unusual school indeed with only 8 pupils. I was very impressed with the questions I was asked in a lengthy Q and A session.

Then, in the afternoon, I had the privilege of opening the new University Centre at the Glass Works in Tontine Street. This is a tremendous boost to our town and I was delighted to be there. It already has about 100 students, mainly studying the creative arts and is at the heart of the culture-led regeneration of Folkestone.

After that I nipped up to Stelling Minnis to see its’ impressive After Schools Club attached to Stelling Minnis Primary School.

On Saturday I went along to the New Year lunch of one of the local charities that is especially close to my heart – Operation Sunshine. For many years this charity led by the indefatigable Sheila Lloyd, has sent food, bedding and other useful articles to the needy of Africa. They have recently had great difficulty in finding alternative accommodation after having to have the premises at Shorncliffe from which they had operated for so long. Now they have a new home in Capel when I hope they will be able to continue their excellent work for years to come.