Sure throw lots of tax payers money at a virtual monopoly, especially on long haul, to make it an even more effective monopoly. Then we, the travelling public, can sit back and enjoy higher air fares due lack of competition from other airlines from other airports. Seems like a great policy to me.
And to add, I don't believe one word of the forecast financial benefits, seen it all too often before for it all to turn out to be rubbish. Who can say what the economy, either within the UK or worldwide, will be doing in 10, 20 or 30 years. Just figures pulled from the sky. But will be used to justify when it suits.
TB