Lib Dem councillors have condemned Haringey’s Labour Group for deliberately preventing a discussion on a motion which would have established an inquiry into the collapse of the Queen’s Lodge, in Muswell Hill.

The move by Labour to block the call for an inquiry has angered and dismayed local residents’ groups (see below) who witnessed Labour speaker after speaker extend the debate on their own motion on crime to ensure there was no discussion on Queen’s Lodge. The Lib Dems are also pointing out that sources indicate that Labour councillors were told last week that they would have to vote against the motion if it came up for discussion. The goings-on at Haringey Council are certain to embarrass Hornsey & Wood Green’s Labour MP, who had previously backed the Lib Dem calls for an inquiry.

Cllr Stephen Gilbert (Fortis Green), who tabled the motion, comments:

“It is very disappointing to see Labour treating residents with such contempt. All the more so when we know they would have voted against setting up a proper inquiry into what happened at Queen’s Lodge. However, we will not be giving up our demands for an inquiry.”