"But the EC are looking into the BMI deal to ensure fair competition, or "free trade". Why be so Daily Mail about it?"
The UK regulator (that is democratically accountable) was satisfied with this deal that involves UK airlines at an UK airport (as well as two UK subsidiary airlines elsewhere in the UK) and a considerable number of UK jobs. Why should the non-democratic EC (and forget the idea that MEPs could ever really hold the EC to account!) be allowed to scupper such a UK deal? (Don't other countries in the EU have even bigger slot holdings and 'monopolies' at their main hubs?) And if being supportive of UK jobs is "so Daily Mail", then maybe I should start reading the Daily Mail!!!!