I agree with Bill. CAA/SRG does fine job with UK Airlines & other aviation matters, and if anything is likely to flex its' muscles on NATS as soon as it can to stamp its authority. Safety will always be paramount, NATS will not have any choice...
Other positive from privatisation is that NATS can/will start to get involved in the huge amount of international ATM business that goes on outside of UK & Europe incl helping USA/Africa/India/Russia get themsleves sorted. And in longer term possibly even take over their operations in one way or another. Only privatisation will allow such action....and mark my words, liberalisation and new technology will push this along...
I would hope that soon NATS will be able to build on its already excellent operational & safety record and really develop in to an organisation where employees are truely proud to work....which many might not agree exists in todays climate....
Sorry to disappoint those that disagree .... don't mean to provoke any anger .... just the way I feel....