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By Alex Lennane
The great British airport debate was renewed today with the publication of a shortlist of recommendations by the Airports Commission. Perhaps not surprisingly, a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick is the preferred choice, while the proposal to build a new airport on an island on the Thames failed to make the final list. The problem – as it always has been – is local politicians on the right of the political spectrum, whose wealthy constituents near Heathrow don’t want to see it expanded. Neither, however, do they want to see job losses if the UK’s main hub is moved.