13 May 2003

Michael Howard Condemns EU Intervention On White Horse

Michael Howard, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, has condemned the intervention of the European Commission on the White Horse project on the downs above Folkestone.

Mr Howard said: “This interference is outrageous. This project has been approved by all levels of democratically elected government in this country.

I appeared before the Planning Committee of Shepway District Council and the Inspector at the local inquiry and also wrote to the Secretary of State in support of it.

At the Planning Committee both Conservative and Labour Councillors voted in favour. Only Liberal Democrats voted against. The Inspector and the Secretary of State approved it.

The scheme should go ahead and the European Commission should not interfere.”