Raynerair

I learn from the Telegraph that the government has approved increased capacity at London’s City Airport. It has also stated it would approve another runway at Heathrow. In the City Airport case, the local council, Newham had refused planning permission on environmental grounds. So much for devolving powers to local communities. This is old-fashioned ‘Whitehall knows best.’ I don’t detect any signs that devolution is a priority for Labour, with the exception of giving regional mayors some say in how they might deliver the government’s priorities. Say what you like about Tony Blair, at least his devolution of powers to Scotland and Wales had real substance. Part of the blame for the current situation does lie with the Conservatives. After 14 years of their tumultuous rule, the new government feels compelled to crack on to turn things round. But the consequence will be some bad decisions being made.