Tories go back on phone masts pledge

4.14.42pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Aug 2008

Despite having a commitment in their last manifesto, Conservative MP's failed to support an amendment to the Planning Bill that recently went through Parliament. The effect of the amendment would have been to bring mobile phone masts less than 15 metres tall under local planning control. This would have given local communities more say over these controversial proposals. Liberal Democrat MP, Andrew Stunell, who proposed the amendment said: "I cannot understand the Tory decision to sit on their hands. It was the best chance possible to bring these masts back under local control, and they blew it. They had this proposal in their last manifesto, and one of their own MPs had already put forward exactly the same plan, so what does that tell us about their real commitment to local residents?"

Alice Humphreys - Mole Valley's LibDem Parliamentary candidate said: "Andrew Stunell's impressive efforts on this issue should be applauded. It is very sad that when it came to the crunch, the Tories were not willing to stand up for the concerns of many local people and support Andrew Stunell's motion. Actions speak louder than words."

During the debate several topics were raised about the public concerns and risks of radiation from mobile phone masts - and from the phones themselves. Follow the link below for an excerpt of the parliamentary debate.

Related Link:

Excerpt of parliamentary debate on the Planning Bill.