Runways UK

No anti-climax, following the Airports Commission recommendations the previous week. Runways UK, was the opposite.

Sir Howard Davies (see in this issue), opened the proceedings via video saying that his job was now complete and he was in-effect unemployed (until RBS later in the year and his other commitments), and that he was pleased with the general reaction.  Lord Adonis followed (see this issue) and then John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow, clearly well pleased with himself, and using Churchill’s words saying that this was only the beginning.

It was all smiles from Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, and representing Let Britain Fly, and much the same with Katja Hall, Deputy-Director of the CBI both empathising speed with a decision.  Matthew Bell, the new Chief Executive of the Committee for Climate Change, spoke eloquently on setting carbon budgets.  Anywhere but Heathrow seemed to be John Stewart’s (HACAN – Heathrow Association for the Control of Airport Noise) argument forgetting that the Labour Party is in favour.  “This is far from the end of the story.  The final decision will be taken by the Government.  Given the strength of opposition there is to Heathrow within the Cabinet, the final chapter could contain a sting in the tail.  Gatwick could emerge as the final choice by Christmas.”  www.runwaysuk.com

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Robert Shaw, UK

Another runway ! LHR cannot cope as it is. Japanese friends arrived at T5 from Tokyo on 10 July, took them 150 mins to get through passport control. They will not be coming back !