It's difficult to see to whom any slots could be handed/sold to address any competion concerns, perhaps this is the reason behind the delay on completing the bmir deal?
Who would or could want to run services into LHR from say EDI ABZ MAN up against all that BA can offer in terms of FF points, business lounges, and onward connections?
A few crumbs to Virgin? Perhaps using bmir to feed? under a new name? Doesn't add up to me and if the price for clearance is to high then IAG might walk, what then for bmi?
I think more likely is some reassurance for the Scotts on flight frequency and prices, but given the upward march of oil it would be meaningless
Without access to LHR slots there is no way to address any of this, there is ample connections to other London airports from Scotland and NI