Why is the government enabling billionaires to trash the climate? - Andy McDonald responds to proposed ban on private jets

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to a report proposing a ban on private jets, said:

“This report makes a very convincing argument. Why is the government enabling billionaires to trash the climate when it’s the rest of us who will suffer the consequences?”

“Climate targets cannot be met without curbing pollution from air travel, and a passenger on a private jet produces ten times the emissions of someone on a regular flight. This simply cannot be ignored.

“In just a few years’ time it will be possible for these journeys to be made by electric aircraft – so long as government puts in place the right incentives. Labour will examine these proposals closely and consult with industry on the introduction of a phase out date for the use of fossil fuel private jets.”

Ends

Notes to editors

Call for ban on UK private jets by 2025 as flight traffic soars: Study says passenger has 10 times carbon footprint of economy-class flyer with 40% of flights empty return-legs https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/04/call-for-ban-on-uk-private-jets-by-2025-as-flight-traffic-soars?CMP=share_btn_tw