Labour

Labour will engage constructively with the independent commission on aviation - Maria Eagle

Maria Eagle, Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to confirmation that Sir Howard Davies is to chair an independent commission on aviation, said:

"Labour will engage constructively with the independent commission on aviation as Sir Howard Davies and his team work to identify options for maintaining this country's status as an international hub for aviation. A whole year has been wasted since Labour first proposed this commission as a sensible way to secure consensus on this difficult and contentious issue. There will be considerable concern that the Government has decided that final proposals will not be brought forward until 2015, after the next election.

“The Government must confirm that they remain committed to ensuring that emissions from aviation in 2050 are no higher than 2005 levels and accept the recommendation of the Committee on Climate Change to including international aviation emissions in UK carbon budgets. Labour is clear that any growth in aviation must be sustainable and meet the challenge of climate change and the final terms of reference for the independent commission on aviation must fully reflect these commitments.”