The government is poised to make a U-turn and include aviation in emissions-reduction targets established by the Climate Change Bill which is due to become law next month.
New energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband has signalled he will accept an amendment to the Bill, adding airlines and airports to emissions targets for the first time, in an announcement tomorrow.
Miliband made clear his intention to exclude flights and shipping from the amended legislation earlier this month, despite being urged to do so by the government-appointed Climate Change Committee.
The change of mind came after enough Labour MPs signed a demand supporting the amendment to overturn the government’s majority in Parliament.
The Climate Change Bill will commit Britain to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2050.