Knowsley MP George Howarth threatens to reject Labour over Everton's Destination Kirkby

Nov 27 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

MP George Howarth _320

Mr Howarth added: “I have been in the Government, I have been out of the Government.

“But one thing I have always been, in the more than 20 years I have been a member of this House, is a loyal supporter of a Labour government when it’s been in power and the opposition when we have been in opposition. I have to say that, unless this problem in Kirkby is resolved quickly, then the Government won’t continue to be able to rely on my support.”

In a statement rejecting the proposal yesterday, the Government said the development would be likely to have a harmful effect on the vitality and viability of Kirkby, Bootle, Skelmersdale and St Helens.

The statement said: “We recognise there have been strong views expressed about this complex proposal. Ministers thought long and hard about the case and decided the negative impacts outweigh the benefits.”