Representation by Michael Jefford
- Date submitted
- 3 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
There is absolutely no need for a second runway at Gatwick. The UK aviation sector has missed 98% of its climate targets to date, and extending capacity at Gatwick will just make the situation even worse. If the government taxed aviation fuel, put VAT on tickets and reintroduced domestic APD, this would immediately shrink demand,and obviate the need for any airport expansion across the UK. It is frankly obscene that this planning application is being given any consideration whatsoever: we are a climate emergency and its time policy decisions reflected the gravity of the current situation. I see the proposed expansion of Gatwick Airport as completely unnecessary, morally wrong and scientifically ill-advised in light of UK climate targets . If aviation kerosene was taxed in the same way as petrol and diesel, this would immediately reduce demand on carriers, and the airport could welcome in service contraction instead.