Thank you to all of those who have contacted me about aviation, climate change and the potential for a frequent flyer levy (FFL).

As the largest contributor to UK emissions, I agree we must prioritise decarbonising our transport sector. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) warns that aviation is likely to be the largest emitting sector in the UK by 2050, even with strong progress on technology and limiting demand.

We know there is no ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to decarbonising aviation and we have much further to go. Personally, I am extremely concerned the Government’s net zero aviation strategy is falling short of meeting the challenges we face and its Jet Zero Council has not achieved what it set out to do.

When questioned on the potential for an FFL, the Government has said it believes it would have “many disadvantages”. It has made it clear it is not considering an FFL as part of its strategy.

As you may be aware, the Government has cut Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights. This is expected to result in a 3.5% increase in passenger journeys and I believe it should not have gone ahead with it. Fairness and giving people alternatives are key to a green transition, yet the Government is not making the investments needed to encourage people to use public transport for those journeys – instead, we see record delays, overcrowding, and routes and services cut week on week.

The Government must also stop delaying the much-needed modernisation of our airspace, which is preventing cleaner, greener, point-to-point flights. Other potential solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel are being put at risk through Government inaction. Yet we know that green technologies produce well-paid, good jobs. We need Government action to secure the necessary investment for those emerging technologies.

I want to see urgent action to put climate at the heart of the agenda for a fairer, greener future – one that links prosperity, social justice and climate justice. I believe this should be through a green prosperity plan that invests £28 billion a year in tackling climate change, growing the green economy and creating good, green secure local jobs across the country.

Thank you once again to all of those who have contacted me about this issue.