The Independent’s Outlook column expresses astonishment at John Prescott’s statement on Wednesday that he was minded to approve the Bathside Bay port development, in Essex.
It cites disturbance to wildlife and congestion as reasons not to go ahead.
The newspaper says the decision is at odds with Prescott’s earlier edict not to allow the construction of a container terminal in Dibden Bay, near Southampton.
Michael Harrison writes that the UK needs a national ports strategy linked to a national transport and environmental strategy, something the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is not providing.
References: The Independent 23/12/05 page 49 (Outlook)
