Blair rules out extra taxes on flights

The Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly ruled out as “electorally impossible” placing extra taxes on cheap flights in order to reduce pollution. As reported, airlines have reacted angrily to a proposal to introduce a duty on fuel, with EasyJet saying such a move would cause a third of carriers to go bust within a year. Environmental groups support such a proposal, arguing that it would enable Britain to meet its carbon emission targets. But, according to The Times, Mr Blair has argued that “facing a potential election”, he would prefer to encourage scientists to help make air travel more fuel-efficient. The newspaper quotes the Prime Minister as he was speaking to a liaison committee, a group of senior MPs, saying: “Hands up round this table how many politicians facing a potential election in the not too distant future, who would vote to end cheap air travel?” The Times reports that just one hand was raised, that of Liberal Democrat MP Richard Allan – who is standing down from his seat at the next election. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd