Taxes on air travel must rise to tackle global warming and the industry should expect tough targets to cut emissions, shadow transport secretary Chris Grayling has warned.
Grayling told conference delegates at the Aviation in the Shadow of Climate Change conference: “We are not going to take steps to kill the aviation industry, but climate change is probably the biggest problem we face.
“Individuals will have to take responsibility for their carbon footprint. Green taxes do have an impact on behaviour.
“I struggle to see how aviation can continue to expand at the rate it is. It is not the job of the Government to say: ‘You can’t travel’.
“We expect aviation to expand. The question is how fast. Emissions in the UK have risen steadily since 1997 and the Government has not got to grips with the problem. We are going to have to address aviation growth.”
Grayling acknowledged air travel’s contribution to global warming is relatively small, but said: “The problem is not just about today – it is about 20-30 years’ time. Aviation is set to double in 13-14 years.
“It could account for more than 100% of the carbon dioxide the UK can emit by 2050.
“When every other sector has tough targets to reduce emissions, it is difficult to see how aviation can be omitted.
“Aviation taxation is flawed. There is no incentive to use fuel-efficient aircraft. But is a doubling of passenger numbers acceptable? Is there a need to fly from London to Paris?
“Only half the population took a flight last year. Doubling emissions will create more issues for the industry,” Grayling said.
He insisted: “It’s not our business to stop people flying, and we will continue to take air holidays. We have no desire to stop business trips.
“But more people are taking multiple trips a year. When you come across people going to Venice for lunch,you have to say ‘We can’t do this’.”