AVIATION is the most highly-polluting transport mode on earth and its costs - to the environment, health and the taxpayer - are huge. This was the message today from Green Euro-MP for London, Jean Lambert, speaking at the launch of the Green Party's 10-point action plan for sustainable aviation in the UK and Europe.
The launch took place in Thaxted, near Stansted, an area at the heart of the storm over the Government's airport expansion plans.
Mrs Lambert said: "The government's airport expansion plans have undermined their own climate change policy. Government targets were to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050 - yet if its airport expansion plans go ahead under current proposals, this would mean a reduction of only 35%.*
"Today the Greens are saying no more. In the European Parliament we will be calling for the introduction of an aviation fuel tax to bring aviation into line with other modes of transport, and for a European level aviation emissions charge. We will continue to fight for a ban on night flights giving European citizens the right to a good night's sleep."
Notes to Editors
* Environmental Audit Committee Aviation report
1. Copies of the "No New Runways" 10-point action plan are available on request from the Green Party press office. For more information see www.greenparty.org.uk
2. The launch took place at 9.30, Thaxted Guildhall, Friday 28th March 2004
ENDS
For more information please contact Ben or Katy on 020 7407 6280, 07973 823358 or at press@greenmeps.org.uk