FOR over 40 years British politicians have squabbled about where to build runways in south-east England. They have commissioned reports, ordered public inquiries and submitted to judicial reviews. For as long as the paperwork has helped them avoid local protesters, not a shovel has bitten into the ground. No full-length runway has been built to serve Britain’s economic powerhouse since the second world war.
In 2012 David Cameron, Britain’s prime minister, dodged the issue again, asking a commission under Sir Howard Davies, an economist, to look into airport expansion. On July 1st Sir Howard published his final report, backing a new runway at Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport (see article). There are worrying signs that Mr Cameron will be tempted to join the long line of paper-pushers.
Jet-lagged
Britain’s delays have been costly. While Sir Howard and his pals have been pondering where to put a strip of concrete just 3.5km (2.2 miles) long, China has built...
from The Economist: Leaders http://ift.tt/1IRw1h7
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