Rocky ride for NATS sell-off

Moves to privatise air traffic control are controversial

The Labour government is facing a potentially embarrassing revolt from its own backbenches over controversial plans to privatise the nation's air traffic control system.

Ahead of Wednesday's Commons' vote on the issue, Labour MP and former Heathrow airport shop steward Martin Salter warned that public opinion was increasingly against privatisation in the wake of recent rail crashes.

It's difficult to find even the most serial loyalist to approve of the plans

Martin Salter

"After the Hatfield and Paddington rail disasters, opinion seems to be hardening against these ill-thought-out privatisation proposals," Mr Salter said.

He argued that 76% of the public were against the sell-off of the National Air Traffic Control Service (Nats) and that this would be reflected when MPs came to vote on the issue.

Government urged to listen

The Reading West MP urged the government to "listen to its own supporters" by pulling back on its plans to create a new company that would own 46% of the shares in NATS.

Under government proposals, 49% of the service would remain in public hands with 5% going to employees.

A total privatisation could then only go-ahead with the government's approval.

Labour rebellion

The proposals - outlined in the Transport Bill - have already had a rocky ride in the Commons.

In July, 47 Labour MPs voted against the government's plans with 24 other members abstaining.

That was despite government reassurances that safety would be paramount with the Civil Aviation Authority monitoring the operation.

Mr Salter said: "It's difficult to find even the most serial loyalist to approve of the plans and I'm calling on the government to listen to its own supporters, not only on the backbenches but out in the country to pull back now before it is too late."

Despite the controversy, the government's large majority is likely to ensure that the bill passes through the Commons.