An MP has backed calls from a UK environmental body for aviation fuel to be taxed – but wants it across Europe.
Liberal Democrat tourism spokesman Adrian Sanders welcomed suggestions from the Sustainable Development Commission that a tax should be imposed on airline fuel and called on the government to raise the issue with other countries.
A commission report, “Shows Promise But Must Try Harder”, says taxation should be considered to restrain the level of pollution caused by aviation.
Mr Sanders claimed aviation fuel was not only “a major cause of pollution” but “it places our domestic tourism industry at a major disadvantage”.
“It is crazy economics to have people paying more in tax to get to and from the airport and no tax at all on the longer journey taken in the air – the one that pollutes more and negatively impacts on our balance of trade,” he said.
“Whilst I welcome the commission’s suggestions of an aviation tax, our government alone cannot bring one in without driving the airline industry overseas.
“There is very little point in implementing a tax only in the UK. If we are the only country to impose such a tax airlines will simply fill their fuel tanks outside the UK. The government should start discussions now with our partners in Europe to introduce a European aviation fuel tax as soon as possible.”
Report by Phil Davies
