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Revolving Door Policy Exposed: MPs Demand Commons Investigation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Senior MPs are calling for a Commons investigation into allegations of a "revolving door" policy between Downing Street, Whitehall, and airport operator BAA, after ministers approved a third runway at Heathrow. MPs believe that BAA and British Airways were able to exert undue influence over the government and Labour party due to an intricate network of contacts and relationships. Former Labour officials, including Tom Kelly and Julia Simpson, have moved between the government and BAA, sparking concerns over their involvement in the pro-runway campaign.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tom Kelly, former official spokesman for Tony Blair, has taken charge of BAA's communication activity since being appointed as group director of corporate and public affairs in late 2007.
  • Kelly's appointment has heightened concerns over BAA's influence on the government and Labour party.
  • Julia Simpson, a former adviser to Blair, left Downing Street in 2007 to join British Airways.
  • Joe Irvin, former director of public affairs at BAA, has switched to Number 10 to advise Gordon Brown, raising questions about his role in the pro-runway campaign.
  • Stephen Hardwick, a former adviser to John Prescott, has also been involved with the aviation lobby group, Freedom to Fly, which was funded by BAA and BA.
  • Financial PR company Finsbury, headed by Roland Rudd, a close friend of Peter Mandelson, has been employed by BAA.
  • British Airways has fostered close links with government through PR firms Brunswick and Lexington Communications.
  • Labour MP John Grogan has called for the government to implement new rules to increase transparency and scrutiny of lobbying activities.

Statistics:

  • 100s: Hundreds of anti-runway activists staged a "flash mob" protest at Heathrow's terminal five yesterday.
  • 2007: The year in which Tom Kelly and Julia Simpson moved from the Labour government to BAA.
  • 1: Peter Mandelson, close friend of Roland Rudd, expressed support for the third runway.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph (2007) - Tom Kelly appointed group director of corporate and public affairs for BAA.
  • Public Administration Select Committee Report (2008) - recommendations for increased transparency and scrutiny of lobbying activities.
  • BAA statement (no date) - stating that it is "entirely appropriate" for the company to hold discussions with government.

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