Tory Plans 'would Hit Hard-working Families'

Low-cost airline easyJet has criticised a Conservative report on climate change, describing it is inaccurate and unfair to certain sectors of society.

The Quality of Life review included a number of proposals that would have an impact on the aviation industry, including VAT on short-haul flights.

According to easyJet, the UK already taxes flying more heavily than any other European country.

The airline said: "The Quality of Life report is factually wrong, arrogantly London-centric and would tax the holidays of hard-working families.

"The report consigns the 50 million Britons not living in or around London to the status of second-class citizens for whom time is considered an unimportant commodity and the dream of high-speed rail is contradicted by the nightmare of today's reality."

It also argued that rail travel is not necessarily an eco-friendly alternative to aviation, as some diesel trains emit more CO2 per passenger than easyJet flights.

Airport Hotels - Stay the night before your flight and relax in one of our 140 Airport Hotels. Pre-book with Holiday Extras and save up to 45 per cent.