I’ve written in the past of the Davis Commissions work in its 2 and a 1/2 year investigation into London Airport expansion – with the dismissal of Boris Island, and it narrowing down expanding Heathrow or Gatwick to additional environmental concerns of the expansion.
Well, the good news is that the commission is due to report in the next few months
The bad news? Enemies are already mounting up to fight the growth of London Airports.
Firstly, there is the issue of the political elite – the cabinet of the new government – with some in favour and some (in seats near the airports) against further expansion (one of those is the new MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip… Boris Johnson). The issue raised by Zac Goldsmith is a nasty one – as airport expansion in the South East of England is never a vote winner.
Again, it’s time to remind you of the political map of London and the South East.
London/South East Political Map – Image, BBC News
Key:
- Blue = Conservative
- Red = Labour
- Orange =Liberal Democrats
- Green = Green Party
As you can see, there are a lot of Conservative seats in the area outside Heathrow – areas that would be affected by the noise and works. In addition, the area near Gatwick is solid Conservative territory – which would put those who have been voted into power into a situation where they’d have to account for themselves.
Recently, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has raised its head, with it concerned – and going out to say it believes that Davis Commission report will be tainted.
The CPRE fought against the last attempt to expand Heathrow. Whilst it did not succeed, it did force a rethink in the numbers involved.
In the end, the new government can take this commissions report, read it, throw it in the bin and make a new decision – or it could listen to the recommendations and act on them.
Whatever happens – the outcome of the Davis Commission will result in arguments, fighting, legal challenges, political challenges and a lot of bluster.
All this goes on as UK Airport infrastructure continues to shrink in comparison to its European and Middle Eastern compatriots continue to grow theirs, and drive passengers away from going via the United Kingdom.
Sadly, I doubt that any decision taken in the near future will result in the action needed to expand the airports that feed London and give it the expansion the city needs.
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