Hearts & Minds: Heathrow: a terribly British dispute in a world of fire and fury

The blame game over Heathrow’s closure recalls that sport beloved of certain smart schools. It’s verbal fencing, with the emphasis on etiquette and respect, interspersed with a spot of lunging and parrying.

Heathrow defends itself by falling back on process and safety. Then John Pettigrew, National Grid CEO, says he can't remember a transformer failing to such an extent in his 30-year career and adds: ‘Losing a substation is a unique event but there were two others available. That is a level of resilience.’

Back comes Heathrow: ‘As the National Grid's chief executive, John Pettigrew, noted, he has never seen a transformer failure like this in his 30 years in the industry. His view confirms that this was an unprecedented incident and that it would not have been possible for Heathrow to operate uninterrupted.’

Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, sticks to form and the machinery of due inquiry cranking into operation. Her boss, Sir Keir Starmer, noticeably fails to give the Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, his support. Asked if he enjoys Starmer’s ‘full confidence’ his spokesman replies: ‘I don’t think it’s for the Prime Minister to offer confidence in CEOs of private organisations.’

On it goes, this familiar, nuanced, mannerly ritual. The public is expected to read between the lines, to study every word, to pick up on what is not being said as much as what is. Pettigrew did not actually say it was impossible for Heathrow to operate uninterrupted. Likewise, Starmer did not directly condemn Woldbye. Compared with comms via social media posts in block capitals with exclamation marks, and the holding of informal press conferences in the room, it seems old-fashioned.

There is a distinct lack of emotion, yet tens of thousands of people were inconvenienced, financial losses racked up and a nation’s flagship was embarrassingly shut. Arguably, the modern approach is more appropriate, reflecting the anger and frustration felt by many. But that frequently leads to U-turns and twisting as something said in the heat of the moment proves to be wrong. Far better surely, to proceed with calm and caution.

Possibly, because in the end, even with the fire and passion, expert analysis and legal argument take charge. But there is also the feeling that no one really cares, not enough to show that they do. At a time when distrust in politicians and business leaders is low, there is a case for striking a balance.

Chris Blackhurst is one of the UK’s foremost business journalists. He was previously Editor of The Independent and City Editor of the Evening Standard.