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Glasgow Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Calls for private jet tax as Prestwick Airport sees surge in flights
A new investigation published on Thursday by Oxfam Scotland revealed that there were 12,143 private flights in and out of Scottish airports in 2024, with the busiest being Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Inverness. In Prestwick alone, the number of private flights rose from 1845 in 2023 to 2437 in 2024 – an increase of 32%. The investigation also found an "alarming" spike in private flights at Prestwick which coincided with a key golfing event. In July 2024, when The Open was held at the nearly Royal Troon Golf Club, private flights at Prestwick surged by 123%. A total of 453 private jets took off or landed that month (compared to the 203 average monthly flights in 2024), equivalent to 15 flights a day. Oxfam Scotland used data on departures and landings from the Civil Aviation Authority, looking specifically at aircraft over 2.73 tonnes and excluding those from aero-clubs. While there were 768 fewer flights in 2024 than the previous year, it is slightly more than the 10-year average. The charity said that if an Air Departure Tax (ADT) had been in place – and applied at the highest possible rate – it would have generated an extra £28.8 million in tax revenue for the Scottish Government. Oxfam Scotland has been campaigning for a private jet tax like the ADT to be introduced, set to at least 10 times the existing higher rate within the UK Air Passenger Duty. The Scottish Government has previously said it is committed to introducing an ADT and that it is open to introducing a higher tax on private jets. However, progress on introducing ADT in Scotland has been delayed by an ongoing stalemate between the Scottish and UK governments. The Scottish Government owns Prestwick Airport as well as Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which operates airports in Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. 'All talk, no take off' Commenting on the report, Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said the Scottish Government should be "embarrass[ed] that Prestwick is being used "as a playground for the world's wealthiest polluters". He said: "For a government that's already scrapped a key climate target and diluted vital green policies, continuing to give ultra-wealth polluters an easy ride adds insult to injury. 'The First Minister says he backs landing a fair tax on pollution-spewing private jets, but so far, it's all talk, no take-off. It's time he stopped circling the issue and finally land this fair tax on those polluting Scotland's skies.' Becky Kenton-Lake, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition manager, said: 'People in Scotland want our political leaders to invest in fast and fair climate action. "A Private Jet Tax would help hold the biggest polluters accountable and raise vital funds to protect us all from the damage they're causing. "Ministers have the chance to lead boldly, and Scotland is counting on them to deliver.' Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens, which have long campaigned for a private jet tax, called on the Scottish Government to "show clear leadership" and to introduce the tax at airports it owns. Ross Greer MSPScottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: 'An obscene amount of wealth is being hoarded by a tiny number of elites who fly across the globe in their climate-wrecking private jets. 'These jets have a huge impact on our environment, and while their super-rich occupants fly between their golf courses and superyachts, it's Scottish taxpayers left paying to clean up their mess." Greer pointed towards data quoted by Oxfam Scotland which shows that private jet use is 20 times more polluting than regular commercial flights, as he said a private jet tax would "keep the super-rich and their destructive toys on the ground". He continued: 'We've waited for years for the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver the devolution of ADT in Scotland, as they agreed to do over a decade ago. 'Delays to the devolution of ADT aren't a get out of jail free card for the Scottish Government. They can introduce a charge on private jets at the dozen airports they own right now, raising cash for public services and taking action to tackle the climate emergency.' Greer reiterated calls for the Scottish Government to introduce the charge at the airports it owns during First Minister's Questions on Thursday. John Swinney told him: "I've already stated that I'm interested in the suggestion of higher tax rates on private jet flights." He added that the Scottish Government is continuing to "explore all options for implementing air departure tax", in a way which does not disproportionately affect communities in the Highlands and Islands. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "As has previously been set out, ministers are open to the suggestion of higher rates of Air Departure Tax on private jet flights. "This will form part of the review of rates and bands undertaken prior to implementation."
The National
26-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Calls for private jet tax as Prestwick Airport sees surge in flights
A new investigation published on Thursday by Oxfam Scotland revealed that there were 12,143 private flights in and out of Scottish airports in 2024, with the busiest being Edinburgh, Glasgow, Prestwick and Inverness. In Prestwick alone, the number of private flights rose from 1845 in 2023 to 2437 in 2024 – an increase of 32%. READ MORE: Scottish arts centre announces temporary closure after pro-Palestine protest The investigation also found an "alarming" spike in private flights at Prestwick which coincided with a key golfing event. In July 2024, when The Open was held at the nearly Royal Troon Golf Club, private flights at Prestwick surged by 123%. A total of 453 private jets took off or landed that month (compared to the 203 average monthly flights in 2024), equivalent to 15 flights a day. Oxfam Scotland used data on departures and landings from the Civil Aviation Authority, looking specifically at aircraft over 2.73 tonnes and excluding those from aero-clubs. While there were 768 fewer flights in 2024 than the previous year, it is slightly more than the 10-year average. The charity said that if an Air Departure Tax (ADT) had been in place – and applied at the highest possible rate – it would have generated an extra £28.8 million in tax revenue for the Scottish Government. Oxfam Scotland has been campaigning for a private jet tax like the ADT to be introduced, set to at least 10 times the existing higher rate within the UK Air Passenger Duty. The Scottish Government has previously said it is committed to introducing an ADT and that it is open to introducing a higher tax on private jets. However, progress on introducing ADT in Scotland has been delayed by an ongoing stalemate between the Scottish and UK governments. The Scottish Government owns Prestwick Airport as well as Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), which operates airports in Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick. 'All talk, no take off' Commenting on the report, Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said the Scottish Government should be "embarrass[ed] that Prestwick is being used "as a playground for the world's wealthiest polluters". He said: "For a government that's already scrapped a key climate target and diluted vital green policies, continuing to give ultra-wealth polluters an easy ride adds insult to injury. 'The First Minister says he backs landing a fair tax on pollution-spewing private jets, but so far, it's all talk, no take-off. It's time he stopped circling the issue and finally land this fair tax on those polluting Scotland's skies.' READ MORE: World Health Organisation chief to attend opening of Edinburgh research hub Becky Kenton-Lake, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition manager, said: 'People in Scotland want our political leaders to invest in fast and fair climate action. "A Private Jet Tax would help hold the biggest polluters accountable and raise vital funds to protect us all from the damage they're causing. "Ministers have the chance to lead boldly, and Scotland is counting on them to deliver.' Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens, which have long campaigned for a private jet tax, called on the Scottish Government to "show clear leadership" and to introduce the tax at airports it owns. Ross Greer MSPScottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: 'An obscene amount of wealth is being hoarded by a tiny number of elites who fly across the globe in their climate-wrecking private jets. 'These jets have a huge impact on our environment, and while their super-rich occupants fly between their golf courses and superyachts, it's Scottish taxpayers left paying to clean up their mess." Greer pointed towards data quoted by Oxfam Scotland which shows that private jet use is 20 times more polluting than regular commercial flights, as he said a private jet tax would "keep the super-rich and their destructive toys on the ground". He continued: 'We've waited for years for the Scottish and UK Governments to deliver the devolution of ADT in Scotland, as they agreed to do over a decade ago. 'Delays to the devolution of ADT aren't a get out of jail free card for the Scottish Government. They can introduce a charge on private jets at the dozen airports they own right now, raising cash for public services and taking action to tackle the climate emergency.' READ MORE: Patrick Harvie and Angus Robertson face-off as tensions rise over Israel divestment Greer reiterated calls for the Scottish Government to introduce the charge at the airports it owns during First Minister's Questions on Thursday. John Swinney told him: "I've already stated that I'm interested in the suggestion of higher tax rates on private jet flights." He added that the Scottish Government is continuing to "explore all options for implementing air departure tax", in a way which does not disproportionately affect communities in the Highlands and Islands. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "As has previously been set out, ministers are open to the suggestion of higher rates of Air Departure Tax on private jet flights. "This will form part of the review of rates and bands undertaken prior to implementation."
STV News
26-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Investigation reports ‘shocking' increase in private jet flights in Scotland
A new investigation has revealed 'shocking' increases in the number of private jet flights coming into and out of Scotland. A total of 12,143 private jet flights took off or landed at Scottish airports in 2024, according to Oxfam Scotland. Scotland's busiest airports for private jet use last year were Edinburgh, Glasgow Prestwick, and Inverness. Scottish Government-owned Prestwick Airport saw a 32% increase in those flights. Private flights to and from Prestwick jumped from 1,845 in 2023 to 2,437 in 2024. The investigation revealed a 123% surge in flights at Glasgow Prestwick in July 2024 when The Open was held at the nearby Royal Troon Golf Club. Oxfam said 453 private jets took off or landed that month — nearly 15 a day — compared to the average 203 monthly flights in 2024. The report highlighted that some private jets can emit 20 or even 30 times more carbon emissions than flying economy class. Campaigners say this 'example of excess' happening at an airport owned by the Scottish Government 'risks further undermining Scotland's climate credentials'. 'Scotland is rightly proud to be the home of golf, but it shouldn't be a playground for the world's wealthiest polluters,' Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said. 'The fact that Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which is publicly owned, is a destination of choice for those choosing to use private jets should embarrass the Scottish Government. 'The First Minister says he backs landing a fair tax on pollution-spewing private jets, but so far, it's all talk, no take-off. It's time he stopped circling the issue and finally land this fair tax on those polluting Scotland's skies.' Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said the increase in private jet traffic was 'a sign that we urgently need to tax the super-rich'. The Greens have long campaigned for a private jet tax in Scotland. However, an ongoing stalemate between the Scottish Government and the UK Government over the introduction of an Air Departure Tax (ADT) on non-commercial jets has delayed progress. 'Delays to the devolution of ADT aren't a get out of jail free card for the Scottish Government,' Greer said. 'They can introduce a charge on private jets at the dozen airports they own right now, raising cash for public services and taking action to tackle the climate emergency.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Warning for Scotland as report finds time running out to limit climate change
On Thursday, top scientists warned that the Earth could breach the 1.5C global warming limit in as little as three years. It comes as the Scottish Government published its carbon budgets plan, a replacement for net-zero targets that were not reached. Campaigners described the move as a 'weakening' of climate policy. With the new climate change plan draft due later this year and only one full parliamentary term left before the Holyrood 2026 elections, campaigners have criticised the Scottish Government's 'slowing' approach to tackling climate issues. READ MORE: SNP councillor forces Labour to take action against Israeli arms sales Rising temperatures in Scotland could have a devastating impact on communities, with increasing risks of flooding, rising sea levels and coastal erosion, or dry hot weather causing sweeping wildfires and water scarcity. Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: 'We're going to be having the new Climate Change Plan published in draft form in autumn that will cover from 2026 through to 2040. 'The near term of that is going to be absolutely critical, which means, you know, the next Scottish Parliament will make or break Scotland's ambitions to achieve net zero by 2045. 'But we will stand no chance of delivering that unless the Climate Change plan is backed up by meaningful investment.' Livingstone (below) added that the 'richest and biggest polluters are driving the climate crisis' and should have to pay up. 'If we don't invest now, then it will cost us much more down the line to respond to that,' he said. He added: 'What people don't want in Scotland is any more hollow climate promises. We've kind of been there, we've done that, that undermines public confidence. 'Actually what we need to see is near term action, properly financed and delivered in a way that is genuinely fair. That's what people in Scotland want to see going into the Scottish elections and throughout the next parliament.' Meanwhile, Rosie Hampton, oil and gas campaigns manager at Friends of the Earth (FoE) Scotland, also argued that companies who have 'contributed vastly' to the climate crisis should be made to pay. She said: 'I think if people felt like there was a clearer sense of who's coughing up and who's actually going to save money, I think people would feel a lot more confident that measures to address the climate crisis actually can save them money and improve people's lives. READ MORE: Scottish Labour drop below Alba and Greens in Highlands by-election 'There's that kind of absence of Scottish Government and political will to say - this is who's paying for it, because this is how you've contributed. People fill in the gaps and they think, well, I'm going to have to have to pay for it. 'That's not a just transition, it's not fair, because why should ordinary people be forced to bear the brunt of it? 'It's a legitimate concern. It should be big industry, who have profited off oil and gas and things like that for a long time when communities haven't seen the benefit.' 'We need to see a serious level of ambition and a recognition of just how much needs to change,' Hampton added. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie told The National he had concerns that the Scottish Government's 'policy response is getting weaker' while the 'pace of warming is getting more alarming'. 'It's not just about the SNP, it's about our whole political landscape,' Harvie said. He said that when the party started talks with former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, that would later lead to the Bute House Agreement, Scotland was already missing its climate targets and needed to 'accelerate'. 'That means we need to do some of the politically difficult stuff, the easy stuff's all been done,' Harvie added. (Image: PA) 'If we're not going to be politically able to do the more challenging things, that means changing the way we move about, that means changing the way we heat our homes. It means changing agriculture as well and giving rural communities a viable way forward that isn't high carbon. If we're not willing to do those things, then we fail.' The MSP added that he was 'disturbed' by the Scottish Government refusing to accept certain recommendations from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in its carbon budget plan. The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
STV News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Holyrood urged to move faster as Scotland misses emissions target
The Scottish Government has been urged to move faster on its climate goals as the country has missed its emissions targets for 2023. According to the latest Greenhouse Gas Statistics report, Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions fell by nearly 2% in 2023, but it wasn't enough to meet SNP targets. The country's emissions have fallen 51.3% from 1990 levels. However, the Scottish Government previously had a target of a 56.4% reduction from 1990 levels by 2023. This goal has now been missed by five percentage points. Climate campaigners have insisted that the pace of change is too slow to meet key environmental targets. Claire Daly, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Scotland, said: 'These reductions are simply not enough. 'The pace of change is too slow to meet our climate ambitions. Again, emissions from transport, buildings and agriculture remain largely unchanged and far too high. 'Every year of inaction makes the path to a safer, fairer future even harder to reach.' The report showed a 'very large reduction' in emissions from the electricity generation sector, with reductions also seen across fuel supply, buildings, transport, industry, and waste. Emissions from the agriculture sector were 'essentially unchanged' between 2022 and 2023. However, the data showed a sharp rise of 18.6% in international aviation and shipping emissions, as flights and shipping rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. It means the sector's emissions have risen by a third (33%) since 1990. With emissions from aviation and shipping rising, Oxfam Scotland called for a 'fair tax' to be levied against the 'super polluting private jets choking Scotland's skies'. Jamie Livingstone, head of the charity in Scotland, said: 'Falling emissions are welcome, but in a race against time, we're simply not moving fast enough due to a lack of investment in major polluting sectors'. Despite the 2% emissions reduction, Scottish Conservatives have slammed the SNP for missing its own targets. 'The SNP are full of hot air when it comes to climate change,' Scottish Conservative shadow energy and net zero secretary Douglas Lumsden MSP said. 'Nationalist ministers love to boast that they are world-leading on this issue, but they can't even meet their own emissions targets and their sheer incompetence forced them to dump them all altogether. 'We all want to address climate change, but the truth is net zero is just another empty slogan for the SNP.' However, acting net-zero secretary Gillian Martin said the figures confirm that Scotland 'yet again leads the rest of the UK in cutting emissions', led by significant decreases from electricity generation and industry. Martin also emphasised the 'positive actions' the Scottish Government has already taken towards reaching the target of net zero by 2045 – including extending free bus travel and 'record levels' of tree planting and peatland restoration. 'We are not complacent and recognise that our transition to a net-zero, climate-ready Scotland will require genuine transformation across our economy and society from transport and heat in buildings to land use,' she said. 'That's why the Scottish Government has committed introducing a Heat in Buildings Bill this year, which will set a target for decarbonising heat by 2045; why we will abolish Scotrail peak rail fares in September; and why we have increased funding for low carbon and climate positive activities to £54.4 million, supporting a switch to zero emission vehicles and the decarbonisation of our buses.' Martin also stressed the importance of action from Westminster, saying: 'It is also vital that the UK Government, which holds key policy and funding levers to deliver Scotland's net-zero future, acts on these at pace to deliver our climate targets and those for whole of the UK.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
