Unlike Germany, the majority of the UK population is in the south of the country making the requirement for additional capacity one for the south rather than the north.
Gatwick and Heathrow are at capacity now. Stansted may be an option for additional capacity but the reality is it should be Heathrow or Gatwick.
Heathrow already has major transport issues getting there. The roads are at capacity and the air quality is already well below where it should be. In addition, Heathrow want the taxpayer to fund the work required.
Gatwick has less of a capacity issue on the transport issue for getting there. Air quality is OK and they will pay for the work themselves.
Gatwick should get the runway and get it now as well as airlines being incentivised to use the regional locations such as Birmingham and Manchester for long haul operations.