The government may be hesitating over its decision to build a third runway at Heathrow, but the opponents of expansion are growing in determination and confidence, as evidenced by loyal Labour MPs warning yesterday of a rebellion over the issue. They know what they are up against and have found an adeptness and willingness to use every campaigning mechanism available. The government's move to delay a final decision on a third runway until January demonstrates its uncertainty and its recognition that the opponents of airport expansion won't just go away. They will plague this government for as long as it takes, destroying its green reputation along the way.
The Heathrow campaign is increasingly exposing the existence in Britain of a corporate political complex. The interests of big corporations have so permeated government that its major decisions are indistinguishable from the boardroom demands of the leading companies in each commercial sector.
