Yesterday the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling confirmed the Government’s decision to back the expansion of Heathrow:

“After years of discussion and delay this Government is taking decisive action to secure the UK’s place in the global aviation market – securing jobs and business opportunities for the next decade and beyond... we believe a third runway for Heathrow is the best option for our future. It’s the best for the whole country to create better connectivity to the different regions of the United Kingdom and to provide the best trade links to the world.” 

The announcement follows years of debate, discussion and political posturing.

Businesses and unions have welcomed the decision, which is expected to bring economic benefits of up to £61 billion and generate around 77,000 local jobs. However, despite the backing by over 270 business leaders (from transnational FTSE chiefs to SME’s from all around the UK) and the undoubtable significance of this decision following the Brexit vote, airport expansion looks set to continue to be a bone of contention amongst politicians, environmentalists and residents who face future displacement.

It has been reported that China has plans to expand around 60 airports and build an additional 20 within four years, making Britain’s record of building just the one full-length runway since the invention of the passenger jet look slightly awkward. This crude comparison is somewhat unfair given our backdrop of democracy and very modest (relative to China anyway) square area, however, there is no denying the expansion saga has gone on for one… two… five decades too long. Why?

Various national governments over the years have been aware of the controversy associated with such a monumental decision and the multiple political implications. Additionally, micropolitics has played a significant role in influencing our decision-makers – Zac Goldsmith’s anticipated resignation as the Conservative MP for Richmond Park the clearest evidence of this.

With Sadiq Khan threatening involvement in a legal challenge, Boris Johnson calling the third runway ‘undeliverable’ and Theresa May facing a headache-inducing split in her Cabinet over the issue, it seems likely that politics, of both the macro and micro variety, will bring future turbulence to what has already been a very bumpy and drawn-out journey.

Despite the politics and the logistical difficulties to be faced, there is some optimism – Britain has had major infrastructure accomplishments, including the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Crossrail. Nevertheless, the need for investment and construction has never been greater than in our post-Brexit climate of uncertainty, let us hope that both are delivered soon.