Doesn't sound like much hope for long haul for new guys then.
Sadly for some, yes, OTOH it takes the process back to the way it generally has run in the past with Long Haul slots filled by internal bids.
As far as I'm aware BA have only ever recruited DEPs directly to Long Haul when forced to, by, say, a lack of training capacity and/or short haul being so attractive nobody wanted to leave ( stop laughing at the back, it has happened..a long long time ago...).
I suspect that this apparent return to near normality, whilst a blow to prospective DEPs, will be a relief to some already in BA Shorthaul....then again as was pointed out that was the plan this morning, so don't give up hope.