Policy influenced by climate debate

THE lack of enthusiasm expressed by the Welsh Government when asked its reaction to the court decision rejecting a third Heathrow runway shows how far the climate debate has come in two short years.

In 2018, the Government was sticking to its long-held view that the third runway was a great idea from Wales’ point of view because it would be accompanied by a rail spur linking Reading to Heathrow that would obviate the need for travellers to travel via Paddington to Wales. Such a public transport connection would certainly have the potential to be a major boon for south Wales’ economy – moreover at a time when the future of international trade is uncertain because of Brexit.

In 2018 the then First Minister Carwyn Jones and Economy Minister Ken Skates were in no doubt that the third Heathrow runway and the rail spur were well worthy of their support.

Now the position is much more muted. While paying lip service to its continuing support for the possibility of a runway logistics hub based in Wales, there is no longer any passionate talk about the prosperity that could flow from an expanded and more accessible Heathrow.

Part of this can no doubt be attributed to the generally pessimistic tone being adopted by the Welsh Government in the knowledge that a no-deal Brexit seems increasingly likely. But a greater awareness about climate change is undoubtedly the main reason. How could a government that has declared a climate emergency be taken seriously if it is backing the further expansion of one of Europe’s largest airports?

It’s a genuine dilemma, because there’s little doubt that the extra runway would be to Wales’ benefit at a time when the Welsh economy needs all the help it can get. Equally, while there is a theoretical attraction for the alternative – a green industrial revolution – the current UK Government seems to have little inclination to take us along that path.

Perhaps we should take comfort from the fact that the decision on whether the third runway goes ahead will not be made in Wales but in the Supreme Court.

If the third runway stays blocked, there will be nothing we can do to remedy the situation. On the other hand, if the project is resurrected there would be no point in cutting off our nose to spite our face by refusing to take advantage of whatever opportunities presented themselves.