Kingston MPs give Tony Blair a geography lesson

17.07.02

MPs present map & compass at 10 Downing St

Kingston's two Liberal Democrat MPs, Edward Davey and Jenny Tonge, today presented a map of London and a compass to Number Ten Downing Street at the start of a new campaign for a "Fair Deal for Kingston."

Kingston's senior politicians believed the Prime Minister and his Government urgently need a geography lesson after publishing a consultation paper last week classifying Kingston in "East Outer London."

In a letter delivered to the Prime Minister, the Liberal Democrats write:

"your Government appears to think the Royal Borough of Kingston can be re-classified as being in "East Outer London" with the financial consequence of hitting Kingston's council taxpayers and residents. ……. We would be grateful if you would support our efforts to get a fair deal for Kingston by providing an early indication that, whatever the outcome of the consultation, Kingston would be classified as being in either "West Outer London" or at least in a category that reflects its true geography and costs."

Commenting Edward Davey said:

"I was astonished to find Labour has redefined the map of London and placed Kingston in the East.

"Instead of being associated with Richmond, Kingston is bracketed in the same geographical grouping as Newham and Waltham Forest. The same consultation paper puts Elmbridge and Epsom Councils in a "West London Fringe", but Kingston is displaced into "East Outer London".

"This must be a strong campaign - the consequences of being classified in East London could be the loss of millions for Kingston Council, hitting the council taxpayer and local services.

"I hope Mr Blair takes another look at the map we've given him and thinks again.