The recent fire near Heathrow Airport has raised significant concerns regarding the security measures in place at key transport hubs and the resilience of the UK's aging infrastructure. The incident has prompted an investigation led by counterterrorism police, who are considering the possibility of sabotage, although officials have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play.
The Metropolitan Police announced that counterterrorism specialists are overseeing the investigation due to the substation's location and the incident's impact on critical national infrastructure. London Mayor Sadiq Khan noted that the involvement of specialized officers in such major incidents is not unusual and reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
As the fire continues to burn, there are concerns that disruptions may extend into Saturday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that he is receiving regular updates on the situation and is in close contact with local partners, acknowledging the distress and disruption caused to travelers and residents without power.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reported that she has been in communication with Heathrow management, who are working diligently to reopen the airport as soon as possible. However, uncertainty remains about the timeline for reopening, with a Downing Street spokesman indicating that emergency services and Heathrow will make that determination, while acknowledging significant disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days.
There is also speculation about a potential meeting of the government's emergency response committee, known as COBRA, which could indicate that the airport's closure may extend into Saturday. Local lawmaker John McDonnell emphasized the need for an investigation into why backup systems failed and how the infrastructure could be so vulnerable, stating that important lessons must be learned from this incident.