Heathrow party – who was present

YOU have reported that John McDonnell MP was present - and made a speech - at the no third runway action day on Bank Holiday Monday at Harmondsworth village.

However, this is incorrect as McDonnell did not attend and the excuse was read out at the meeting that he was with family in Norfolk. I was present all day. He never put in an appearance.

The only three politicians that attended were UKIP’s London assembly members David Kurten and Peter Whittle and Labour councillor Jan Sweeting.

KIM GANDY Uxbridge Road Hillingdon

YOU ran a piece on page 11 of the Gazette last week entitled, ‘Make lots of noise - It’s Heathrow’s 70th Birthday’.

The piece states that John McDonnell MP was present and gave a speech - this is incorrect.

John Stewart read out a message from John McDonnell at the start of the event to say he was double booked and could not attend.

The only politicians in attendance were Labour Councillor Jan Sweeting and UKIP GLA members Peter Whittle and David Kurten - of these, only David Kurten made a speech.

The picture used of John McDonnell was also from an event held last year.

Whilst Mr McDonnell has been a vocal supporter of the anti 3rd runway campaign your article paints a totally different picture of what actually happened on the day.

CLIFF DIXON via email