First Minister’s welcome words on private jet tax ‘not enough’

A private jet. Text reads 'Private jet travel is fuelling the climate crisis. A fair tax would help fuel the fight back'.

Oxfam Scotland has welcomed the First Minister’s description of a private jet tax as ‘an interesting idea’ and ‘welcome suggestion’.

The First Minister made the remarks at First Minister’s Questions, in a response to Lorna Slater from the Scottish Greens, who raised our analysis that a Scottish private jet tax could raise over £21 million more to invest in green initiatives.

Responding, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “It’s encouraging to hear the First Minister is open to introducing a private jet tax in Scotland. But words alone aren’t enough: it’s time he engaged with the UK Government to give this tax full clearance for take-off.  Faster action to raise money to invest in green initiatives like scrapping peak fares can no longer be delayed. It’s time to make the richest polluters pay the bill for their lavish, climate wrecking lifestyles. Their payment is already long overdue.”

/ENDS

For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450