Rutan, you are, again, trying to justify not expanding Heathrow based on the current situation.
The third runway will be a feeder onto the LH routes as well as bringing regional and European traffic into and out of London. This is only really viable in the planned form once the new runway is built and Crossrail is connected. To say it isn't popular or doesn't work now is irrelevant. Flights will be sold from LBA to LA which includes the shuttle in the price run by someone like EJ or Flybe. This will be the game changer and the MAN supporters know it which is why there is so much opposition from that area.
As for the last part couldn’t care less if some in Yorkshire or Northumberland feel that a flight via Amsterdam is more convenient that a trek over the moors.
This is exact;y the attitude of those local or within easy access of MAN. You get your LH flights and to hell with those who suffer a long and expensive journey to get there. It has been like that for years and more and more people have got wise to the fact they can transit through the likes of AMS instead. There are still a large number though who do not like the idea of being stranded abroad so the LHR option will be much more convenient.
The Northern Power House project of the former Chancellor was an attempt to evaluate reason identify and address many of the inequities associated with having a range of high hills through a relatively small area of the North of England and the negative effects that has on opportunity and investment in the wider economy.
The Northern Powerhouse and HS3 is about connecting the major cities of the north. It is not about making it easier for the people of North Yorkshire to get to MAN,
Just as the debate around the London Orbital needs sorting irrespective of R3 so do the similar issues around Manchester - These issues are for the DFT and will cost millions anyway
At least you understand that the road network arounf LHR would be upgraded regardless of a third runway. ANY major airport expansion would require road/rail improvements. It just so happens we are currently building multi £bn connections to the nations main airport.
The Elisabeth line is more about getting the great unwashed from Essex into Central London and similarly those in Berkshire into the City oh and by the way the major Rail Station that is Euston connects to neither right now.
Crossrail was sold on it's ability to get people from Canary Wharf to LHR in 30 minutes. BAA paid a lot of money into the scheme and the Heathrow connection spur will be beneficial. Euston is only the final stop for HS2 into Central London. A large number of passengers will be going to the huge Old Oak Common interchange onto Crossrail. Together these new railways systems will provide a modern, world class transport network into the capital and it's major airport. So why on earth would we then expand Gatwick instead?