MPs reject call to limit foreign holiday flights

MPs warned today against rationing foreign travel to tackle climate change.

They spoke out after Lord Turner, chairman of the Government-appointed climate change committee, raised fears that a cap could be put on foreign holidays. "We will have to constrain demand in an absolute sense, with people not allowed to make as many journeys as they could in an unconstrained manner," he said.

However, Lib-Dem transport spokesman Norman Baker rejected limiting flights per family. "There is an absolute need to recognise the serious climate change implications of aviation but Forties-style rationing is not the way forward," he said.

Despite his comments, Lord Turner has not opposed proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.

However, his call for limited flights is likely to be seized on by opponents.