Alexandra Palace’s future was thrown into further doubt last week, when Labour and the Conservatives combined to push through Parliament the Labour run Council’s plan to effectively sell off the Palace, with an unfettered, 125 year lease to developers.

Local Liberal Democrats have been campaigning against the plans and the Lib Dem Culture Spokesperson Don Foster MP began the debate in Parliament with a detailed speech explaining Lib Dem concerns. He was backed by London Lib Dem Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes who also spoke against the statutory instrument permitting the controversial move.

The Lib Dems had called for the debate, which took place on Wednesday 14th January, as they believe that the Labour Council is trying to push the Palace into private hands and effectively wipe out the Alexandra Palace and Park (APP) Charity and the original APP Act.

Mr Foster and Mr Hughes made strong and eloquent arguments against the proposed changes to the act. They argued that:

* The power being sought was too great.

* The financial case did not justify the transfer of this charity into private hands.

* The power to broaden trusteeship, so that the Council, with all its conflicts of interest, was no longer the sole trustee, was the key initial change that should be sought.

Despite what many neutral observers viewed as a strong and coherent case against the plans by the Lib Dems, the vote was predictable with the Labour members voting in favour of the changes. Interestingly for changes that would result in privatisation of the APP charity, the Conservatives abstained, seemingly reflecting their unease over the proposals.

Lib Dem spokesperson on Alexandra Palace, Cllr Bob Hare was disappointed with the result but was extremely pleased by the Lib Dems performance in the debate, and says Haringey’s Lib Dems will continue to fight for properly thought out future for the Palace and not just a quick sell-off.

The Lib Dems believe that the involvement of private enterprise is one piece of the jigsaw needed to get the fully-working Palace that everyone wants, but for a much shorter-term and as part of a plan that involves broader trustees and which properly respects the objectives of the Park and Palace Trust.

Cllr Hare comments:

“I am delighted at how eloquently Simon and Don presented our arguments. It is sad that the Conservatives and Labour members had made up their minds prior to the debate and showing the disinterest they both have in preserving a building that has not just historic significance but real practical value to Haringey and London.

“This is not the end of the matter, we will continue to fight what we believe is an ‘at any cost’ selling of Haringey’s finest landmark. We will battle to prevent the Palace’s historically and cultural value being diminished for the sake of a ‘fast buck’.”