Jim Armitage: A chance for Boris Island to go bang once and for all
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Outlook Say what you like about Boris Johnson, his survival skills in the political jungle make fellow Old Etonian Bear Grylls look a wimp.
Which is why his dogged attachment to the vainglorious, eccentric bauble of Boris Island seems so peculiar. Barely anybody in the world thinks it's a good idea. Even that other multi-billion transport project, HS2, has some supporters. To construct an entirely new landmass, with built-from-scratch transport infrastructure linking it to the rest of the country is, to use a Boris word, potty – particularly when Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted are already there, and especially at a cost of £60bn.
Boris, an intelligent chap for all that bumbling exterior, must be aware of this. He's just too proud to lose face. But now, Centrica has done him a favour with its deal to fill the neighbouring Isle of Grain with millions of tonnes of high explosives – a big, flashing bull's-eye for terrorists. Not a good idea next to an airport. While crying 'elf and safety may go against the Johnson grain, he should seize this dignified excuse and withdraw from battle.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments