FEATHERSTONE REVEALS NO. 10'S COVER UP OVER RICIN INCIDENT

30.9.03

Liberal Democrat councillor and GLA member Lynne Featherstone shocked representatives at last week's national Lib Dem conference when she revealed how the discovery of ricin in a flat in Wood Green was kept from key community leaders for 48 hours because of 'news management by No 10'.

The news of the discovery of ricin was kept from key leaders in Haringey's local emergency plan including the Chief Executive of Haringey Council, the Chair of the Primary Care Trust and the Fire Chief according to Ms Featherstone speaking at the 'Defence Against Terrorism' debate on Wednesday.

Ms Featherstone is deeply concerned by this example of central control by the Labour Government. She believes that it could have resulted in chaos and loss of life had there been need to evacuate the 50,000 residents in Wood Green.

Cllr Featherstone comments:

"I've still had no confirmation in writing that this appalling incident would not happen again if a similar scenario arose.

"It is not good enough, residents who are exposed to danger need absolute assurance that their safety comes before Labour spin."

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