Clive Lewis For Norwich South

If it becomes government aviation policy to approve additional runways, then it will fail both the environment and fairness. Expanding airport capacity is completely incompatible with their own net-zero strategies. Parliament’s Climate Change Committee has even called for “no net airport expansion” in the UK.
Instead of expanding flights, we need to focus on fairness and sustainability. Air travel remains inaccessible to many, in part due to costs like air passenger duty. This entrenches inequality while doing little to address aviation’s environmental impact.
A flight escalator duty offers a better solution. By increasing levies on frequent flyers and premium-class tickets, we can subsidise occasional travellers on lower incomes. This would make flying fairer and redistribute access to the skies.
I’m quoted in the article as saying: “The CCC has called for ‘no net airport expansion’ in the UK. That’s because it’s completely incompatible with the government’s own net zero strategy.” Sustainability must lead, but fairness is key to delivering it.
Frequent flying has a disproportionate environmental impact. This policy ensures that those who contribute the most to emissions pay more, addressing environmental concerns while making air travel accessible to thousands who have never flown.
What’s not to like?