The head of the review, former MP and London mayoral candidate Steven Norris, said there had been unanimous agreement that climate change 'is the most important challenge to the planet' - a view he said was shared both by experts and a public that was 'absolutely ready to change' its behaviour.
He added that the proposed policy shift, which he thought Cameron was likely to endorse, could well set up a major general election battle between environmentally radical Tories and Liberal Democrats against a Labour Party that was 'a million miles away' from seriously tackling the issue.
Norris was particularly critical of Gordon Brown, the likely successor to Tony Blair, for having frozen airline passenger duty for five years and added only £40 to vehicle excise duty for the most polluting cars. Under the proposed new policy, road tax on top gas-guzzlers could rise by over £1,000, Norris said.
While dramatic tax changes on airline fuel would take time, because they required international agreements, he said he was recommending an immediate increase in air passenger duty - up from £20 to as much as £100 for long-haul flights, and from £5 to £20 for European trips. He also proposed to halve council tax, cut VAT by 2.5 per cent and NI contributions by 3 per cent.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 22nd August 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024