Nice one Bagso. Of course, with the connectivity, and possibly increased frequencies if LHR gets R3, folk from Leeds and Manchester can still fly to LHR.
Mentioning Leeds, I came across this:
Leeds Bradford passengers can fast-track through Dublin airport to US (From York Press)
It shows, if proof were needed, that airports are very competitive businesses, and passengers are not automatically going to choose, or be encouraged locally, to fly from their nearest Gateway airport for long haul flights however many people and businesses reside in its catchment area. With LPL strongly supporting LHR expansion for connectivity and the expectation of flights to the hub, MAN will continue to have a fight on its hands, which is where fast train services come in. But we mustn't dwell on trains.