Archived press release

International Day of Action on Aviation

10 June 2006

Demonstrations against airport expansion are taking place across the UK today (Saturday 10 June) as part of a European Day of Action on Aviation.

The UK Government plans to allow a huge growth in airport expansion in the UK, despite the impact this will have on climate change, local communities and the wider environment. Campaigners are calling on the Government to urgently review its aviation strategy, and take steps to reduce the predicted massive rise in air travel.

Friends of the Earth campaigners will be taking part in events at Heathrow, Bristol and Southampton. Campaigners will also be at Stansted, Luton and Aberdeen, as well as sites across Europe.

Friends of the Earth's aviation campaigner, Richard Dyer said

"If the predicted growth in air travel is allowed to happen it will have a devastating impact on climate change, local communities and the wider environment. The Government must keep its promise of tackling climate change and urgently rethink its aviation strategy. Plans to expand UK airports should be scrapped. And the Government must end the multi-billion pounds worth of effective subsidies given to the aviation industry by UK tax-payers every year."

Friends of the Earth is also calling on the Government to back a new climate change law - called for by Friends of the Earth's The Big Ask campaign - obliging successive Government's to make annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. A new climate change law already has the backing of most MPs and 75 per cent of the public. See www.thebigask.com

Last year the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change research published a report warning that all householders, motorists and businesses will have to reduce their carbon dioxide pollution to zero if the growing aviation industry is to be incorporated into Government climate change targets for 2050

UK taxpayers give the aviation industry an effective subsidy of £9.2 billion a year because airlines pay no tax on fuel used, virtually no VAT and benefit from duty free. Because of this, other taxes like income tax and national insurance have to be higher.

Passenger numbers using UK airports rose by eight per cent in 2004 to 217 million. Since 1987, passenger numbers have doubled at London airports and tripled at regional airports. The Government forecasts that passenger numbers could more than double again by 2030

Aviation - UK domestic flights and international departures from the UK - is responsible for around 6 per cent of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions.

At least five of the top ten destinations served by London airports could be reached by high-speed rail links, either now or in the future.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust