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BRENTFORD and Isleworth MP Ann Keen has been accused of hypocrisy for failing to represent her constituents' interests over the controversial Heathrow night flight issue.
Just hours after the MP spoke at Westminster's Stop Night Flights rally on Monday night, the Liberal Democrats sent a letter to Mrs Keen attacking her for offering no proper support to the movement against the airport's expansion.
Andrew Dakers, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Brentford and Isleworth, claimed he was "baffled" by Mrs Keen's support for constituents against increases in night flights after she voted in the House of Commons earlier this month for the secretary of state to have the power to remove the limit on the number of night flights.
Mrs Keen was one of six west London MPs who voted to remove the limits.
The Government was able to introduce its amendment to the aviation bill.
In the letter to the MP, Mr Dakers said: "I was baffled to hear you say at Monday night's rally you want more letters from constituents on the subject of aircraft noise and night flights as you voted against a key amendment (clause two Division 50) to the Civil Aviation Bill on October 10.
"Clearly you ignore our views anyway, and are instead swept along by the short-term interests of an airline industry set on expansion."
Mrs Keen spoke at Monday's rally organised by HACAN ClearSkies in support of campaigners against increases in night flights.
The next day, she said: "I was pleased to be able to speak at the campaign meeting in Westminster against any increases in night flights which has cross-party support.
"I cannot stress enough to the constituents of Brentford and Isleworth the need for them to make their voices heard at this crucial time."
A spokesman for Mrs Keen added although as a member of the Government she voted accordingly, she would continue to lobby ministers and work with Hounslow Council on this issue over the coming weeks and months to highlight the impact of the airport on the community and especially on children's health and education.
But some people at the rally did not accept her explanation that as a Parliamentary Private Secretary she was following the Government's policy.
Nic Ferriday, spokesman for West London Friends of the Earth, said: "The hypocrisy of Ann Keen is simply quite staggering.
"It was great to hear so many MPs saying they support us in our campaign to abolish night flights.
"But she had the temerity to come to the rally and say she supported residents on night flights, while voting in Parliament to allow an increase in the number of flights."
Mr Dakers agreed, adding: "This is a matter of such importance to the people of this constituency she must start prioritising all of the residents' needs."
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