CAMPAIGNERS are planning to take the Government to court over what they have dubbed a “fantasy” strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions from flying.

The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has today launched its bid to reverse the Jet Zero strategy

The legal challenge is being made by Nick Hodgkinson, on behalf of GALBA. Nick is from Leeds and is terminally ill with Motor Neurone Disease.

He said: “With the UK recording its highest ever temperatures this summer, wildfires burning down homes, parts of our region severely flooded last year and Pakistan currently underwater, we simply cannot allow the aviation industry to pump out even more greenhouse gases and make the climate crisis worse.

“But that’s exactly what the Government wants to allow and that’s why we’re taking them to court.”

Nick added: “The Government claims that Jet Zero is how the aviation industry will reach net zero emissions by 2050. But that’s a fantasy.

“In reality, Jet Zero does the opposite - it gives the green light to large-scale expansion of airports and emissions.

“The Government is just crossing its fingers and hoping there will be techno-solutions at some point in the future.

“That’s like someone speeding down a road that ends at a cliff edge over a ravine. Instead of slowing down way before the edge, the driver says ‘It’ll be fine, someone will have built a bridge by the time I get there’.”

He added: “Taking legal action costs money. We’re relying entirely on donations from the public to fund this challenge and we’re confident that responsible people around the country will help GALBA raise the £60,000 we need.”

GALBA is working closely with other airport campaigners around the country to raise the money.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are committed to decarbonising transport, not by stopping people doing things but by helping people to do the same things differently and more sustainably.

“Our analysis suggests the aviation sector can achieve Jet Zero without the Government needing to intervene directly to limit aviation growth, with net zero targets achieved by focusing on new fuels and technology in a way that maximises economic and social benefits, rather than limiting demand and activity.”