London needs a new airports strategy fast

 
Runway warning: Heathrow Airport
Rex Features
25 June 2012
WEST END FINAL

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The Transport Secretary, Justine Greening, interviewed in this paper today, is clear about the need to expand airport capacity to meet future demand, comparing us unfavourably with the Victorians when it comes to infrastructure. She is less enthusiastic about these needs being met by a third runway at Heathrow; she’s the MP for Putney. Indeed, she says that a third runway may be insufficient. Britain may need a four-runway hub.

She may be unduly prescriptive about Heathrow but she is right about one thing. The question about how best to meet the economy’s aviation needs has been fudged by far too many governments for far too long. Indeed, the option of a third runway at Heathrow was approved by the last Labour government, only to be shelved by the Tories, who campaigned against the plans. This was partly in order to give the party greener credentials and partly to appease local feelings in the constituencies around Heathrow. But this is an issue that is critical to the UK economy, too important to be a matter for short-term politics. If ever there were an issue that calls for a cross-party co-operation, it is this.

Ms Greening is starting a debate on aviation strategy and this paper will be playing its part, hosting a public debate this Wednesday. All the options should be explored: a Thames estuary hub, a third runway at Heathrow, expansion at Gatwick or Stansted. Indeed, more than one option may be necessary if we are to have sufficient capacity. Given that it would be at least a decade between the decision and actually landing planes, there will have to be short-term expedients too. As Ms Greening points out, it is a matter for airlines such as BA to decide how they use their slots at Heathrow. The airlines and BAA may have to agree on switching more of them to destinations in Bric countries.

There are few more important issues for London’s economy and that of the UK than the long-term future of aviation. The coming debate needs broad participation and a long-term perspective. We look forward to seeing both in evidence at this paper’s debate on Wednesday.

Egypt’s choice

THE difficulty with democracy is that sometimes its champions find that elections produce unwelcome results. In Egypt, the election of an Islamist candidate, Mohammed Morsi, may not be the result Western leaders hoped for. But President Obama was one of many to have congratulated the new president. Israel too has declared it respects the outcome of the democratic process.

Indeed, the Muslim Brotherhood could hardly have fielded a more reassuringly stolid figure than Mr Morsi — admittedly not its first choice. He has spent time in the US and two of his children have US citizenship. In his acceptance speech he declared he would be president for all Egyptians, regardless of religion or gender. Many liberals fear, however, that he may introduce conservative social changes. It is not entirely clear what his powers will be. The army appears to want a role in drafting the new constitution; the generals certainly want to preserve their privileges. But the great thing about this election is that it took place at all, and in a fair fashion. That is progress.

Unloved MPs

Ken Olisa, head of the parliamentary anti-sleaze watchdog, says MPs may be dismayed at the results of the public consultation on their pay, in which some called them “incompetent and corrupt”. The public has neither forgotten nor forgiven the expenses scandal. Sometimes it’s salutary for MPs to see themselves as others see them.

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