310304: Beaumont challenges MPs to take up "No New Runways Bill"
Following his success in steering a Green Party Bill through the House of Lords for the first time on Monday, Green peer, Lord Beaumont today challenges MPs to take up the "No New Runways Bill" and use it to pressure the government into a "rational and consistent" policy on climate change.
The Air Traffic Emissions Reduction Bill - called the "No New Runways Bill", because its most immediate effect would be to undermine the case for any major airport expansions in the UK, was passed by the House of Lords on Monday. It can only progress if taken up by the House of Commons.
Lord Beaumont said today: "Aviation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gases, and if we don't reduce its emissions we won't stop climate change. Climate change is the biggest threat to our economy in the coming century. I would urge MPs of all parties to ask the government to take up this Bill and make it law without delay."
Historic moment: Professor John Whitelegg of Lancaster, leading transport expert and Green Party spokesperson on sustainable development, commented today,
"For the first time ever a vote has been taken in Westminster that we need to drastically reduce emissions from aircraft. This is an historic moment. I congratulate their lordships for taking this radical step."
The Bill would require a 5% cut in aviation emissions by 2010, compared with 2000 levels, followed by a 10% cut by 2015 and a 50% cut by 2050.