• IN the wake of the pandemic, the aviation industry is lobbying hard for public bailouts.

Shoreditch, and climate action charity Possible, is calling for any state support for airlines to include conditions to:

– protect workers so there are no pay cuts or lay-offs due to the crisis;

– protect the climate, the airlines need to start cutting their emissions to meet the globally agreed climate targets, without relying on carbon offsetting;

– ensure airlines pay their fair share of taxes in the future, for example by introducing a frequent flyer levy so those who fly the most, pay the most.

Here the fewer planes going overhead and the cleaner air is a good reminder of how much more peaceful and pleasant the world could be if we reduce the amount we fly.

However, a return to “business as usual” could wipe out hopes of this way of living in a matter of weeks.

Virgin Atlantic owner Richard Branson is worth £4.2billion and yet he’s asking the government for £500million, and his staff to take unpaid leave.

A few weeks ago, EasyJet distributed £174million to shareholders and is now also asking staff to take unpaid leave.

What’s more aviation is virtually the only sector which refuses to reduce its overall emissions, and its plans for continuing growth jeopardise the UK’s ability to meet our climate commitments.

That’s why, Greenpeace Shoreditch calls on our local MPs Emily Thornberry, Diane Abbott, Meg Hillier, Apsana Begum and Rushanara Ali to write to the chancellor and call for these conditions to be attached to any bailouts.

People are understandably doing everything they can to protect each other and support NHS and other workers on the front line. But once we’re through, the climate and nature emergencies will remain.

Let’s make sure that the government’s response to this awful health crisis also helps to create green jobs and decarbonise our economy.

LUCY BRIDGEWATER
Shoreditch Greenpeace