question why we are letting this happen
Um, isn't it because the service can no longer be operated as profitably as with competing aircraft?
I too share the sense of loss with Concorde's passing from active service, but sadly airlines have to make a profit to keep pilots employed (surely we all agree with that?) and so romantic notions alone can't keep aircraft flying beyond their useful economic lives. The same is true for many lovely old airplanes...
Sorry if this seems harsh, but its life. If Branson can run them safely AND profitably, without subsidy, then well and good.
And as for blaming Blair... huh?
Andy