Here's an interesting twist from today's E'nin Stannit.
Nicola Sturgeon: Decision over third Heathrow runway will be decided by SNP vote
Quote:
Nicola Sturgeon today blew the battle between Heathrow and Gatwick wide open by saying her 56 MPs at Westminster will vote for the airport that gives a better deal for Scots.
In an exclusive interview with the Standard, SNP transport spokesman Drew Hendry declared the party was “neutral” between a third runway at Heathrow and a second at Gatwick.
The SNP would decide which airport to back after hearing how each would answer Scottish demands for cheaper ticket prices and guaranteed connections with international flights.
Article continues at
Nicola Sturgeon: Decision over third Heathrow runway will be decided by SNP vote - London - News - London Evening Standard
All good spectator sport!
Not much to get excited about, Scotland wants LHR expansion as much (or, if you believe the propaganda, as little) as any other part of the UK, and the SNP are basking in the glory of having 56 out of 59 Scots MPs. So expect controversial comments.
The SNP would be voting on this issue even under their own old rules (only voting on matters affecting Scotland).
LHR expansion is a UK issue and effects all four constituent counties.
Apparently 9 out of 10 MPs would vote in favour. If this is in fact the case and all the SNP were against it becomes a little over 8 of of 10.
Time will tell. Could be wrong, but have a feeling that most SNP back LHR expansion.
All this talk about widening the M25 for Heathrow, but how does everyone think people will get to Gatwick?!
The section of the M23 from Gatwick-M25 is already heavily congested, then all the vehicles from the West, and North will have to.....go round the M25/ M4 and go past Heathrow, or round the east and the heavily congested Thames crossings.
The M25 round junction 9 is also a nightmare and one of the most difficult to get built in the first place.
Indeed, perhaps we shouldn't make the situation any worse by burdening LGW with a second rwy.......
It's also bad news for road travellers between LGW and Croydon/London as the M23 is a waste of space.
Forget London, the M23 doesn't even reach Croydon (stops 10 mi. short)!