Representation by Rachel Hopkins MP
- Date submitted
- 23 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As the largest contributor to UK emissions, the UK 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. 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. Any changes to growth and reduction in emissions have to be balanced against the economic impact of the Airport on Luton and the surrounding areas. The airport directly supports nearly 10,000 jobs and supports a further 19,000. ?The airport has also helped to directly support the local community through its charitable programme and contributing towards council services.? The Council received £4m to go to front line services from the Airport last year and the Community Trust Fund received £213,000 to be distributed to projects and charities. More must be done to encourage passengers to use public transport for arrival to, and departure from, the airport. The DART will have a vital role to play here. Any sustainable expansion of Luton Airport must be within the parameters set out for aviation by the Committee for Climate Change and must align with the UK’s 2050 net-zero climate commitment.? This must include quieter and more fuel-efficient planes.