European Day of Action on Aviation

---

Friends of Earth join rally against Heathrow expansion

Demonstrations against airport expansion took place across the UK on Saturday 10 June as part of a European Day of Action on Aviation.

The UK Government plans to allow a more growth UK airports, despite the impact this may have on 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 took part in the event at Heathrow, concentrating on the issue of climate change. Their Heathrow campaigner, Nic Ferriday, 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 Heathrow and other UK airports should be scrapped."

He accused the government of effectively subsidising the aviation industry.

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.This will oblige 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.

• Aviation is the fastest growing contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which lead to climate change. It is already responsible for around 6% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions. Aircraft from Heathrow already put out 13 million tonnes of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), every year.
• 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 emissions 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.
• 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.
  

June 13, 2006