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MPs reject call to limit foreign holiday flights
Nicholas Cecil06.02.09
MPs warned today against rationing foreign travel to tackle climate change.
They spoke out after Lord Turner, chairman of the Government-appointed climate change committee, raised fears that a cap could be put on foreign holidays. “We will have to constrain demand in an absolute sense, with people not allowed to make as many journeys as they could in an unconstrained manner,” he said.
However, Lib-Dem transport spokesman Norman Baker rejected limiting flights per family. “There is an absolute need to recognise the serious climate change implications of aviation but Forties-style rationing is not the way forward,” he said.
Despite his comments, Lord Turner has not opposed proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.
However, his call for limited flights is likely to be seized on by opponents.
Reader views (12)
One thing which is rarely touched upon in this crazy argument - but Andrew from Hampton has done so - is that we have spent the past 40 years encouraging movement (for jobs, trade etc), and as a result families and businesses are now more international than ever. What about the hundreds of thousands of foreign workers who have come to the UK? Are the Poles to be rationed to one visit home? Are the bankers from Italy, Japan, the US etc to be denied the right to travel home? Or are people like Turner thinking of just one thing? To make life harder, more restricted and more problematic for the British? When will our political class leave us alone - now they are setting up a new database of all our movements internationally...no doubt very useful when it comes to implementing this job destroying proposal.
- Damian Hockney, London, UK
When private jets are banned then maybe I'll listen to these proposals. Which is more harmful - a plane transporting a handful of millionaires (is flying first class that awful?), or a plane of similar size transporting up to hundred passengers?
- Richard, Miami
Lord Turner will not decide how I spend my holidays nor how often I fly, not him, not anyone else either. Incidentally, I expect Lord Turner has a long list of people who would be exempt from this regime, like him and his pals... Typical of this bunch of underperformers to go for the easy option, hit the little people but dont touch the big ones who are really responsible for most of the climate change. That would require hard work and strong ethics, all way beyond Lord Turner. Anyway, what global warming? I have been freezing for the last 10 days like I haven't for the last 20 years!
- Daniel, London
Idiotic comments seem to know no limits! I fully expect Lord Turner will be telling us that sweets and alcohol should be rationed next or barbecue charcoal. The country is in a mess and this person sees fit to pontificate about how many flights we are allowed to take. I'd normally laugh but you can just see this politburo of a government we have taking it seriously.
- David S., Ealing
Taxing the fuel airlines use is a more sensible way of reducing demand. It would also put aviation on a level playing field with other forms of transport which already are taxed on fuel.
- Mike, St Albans
Highly paid talking jobsworths
- Grim Reaper, Hell
i think the weather over the last couple of months, and in particular the last week, prove what most right thinking people have always known. Global Warming/Climate change is purely a tax grabbing initiative disguised as 'saving the planet'!! Even my kids are warned at school if they dare to bring their lunch in something not 100% biodegradeable - in the name of 'save the planet'. It s all totally ridiculous!
- Gary, amersham
Thank god I am leaving the UK very soon...between downsizing my chocolate bars, taking away holidays and trips by air and giving us an economy on the brink of collapse, I have no desire to be british anymore...nad I am certainly not proud to be
- Nicky, Central London
I should think they would otherwise Big Brother really has arrived in the UK. When all countries of the world do their bit to reduce global warming, that's when I'll be interested and take note! Our tiny Island isn't going to make a jot of difference in the overall scheme of things.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
Whaaaat??? Now the government wants to tell me how often I can fly?? Get off my back!!!
- Rollo, London
A stupid idea if ever there was one and particularly cruel to those who have relatives and similar ties overseas. Presumably peers would be exempt.
I wonder if Lord Turner would like to disclose how many airmiles he clocked up in his business career.
- Andrew, Hampton
All business flights by politicians should be banned. There is absolutely no need for them to go abroad to attend conferences etc. at tax payers' expense. They have access to the most sophisticated communication equipment and could "link up" with their European/foreign counterparts
- R.F., Yorks, UK
