Wesley Johnson The UK may have to consider restricting the number of flights people take in the future, an independent body set up to advise the government on climate change has confirmed.

Wesley Johnson

The UK may have to consider restricting the number of flights people take in the future, an independent body set up to advise the government on climate change has confirmed.

Lord Turner, chairman of parliament's committee on climate change, said the government may have to consider ways of reducing the demand for flying as part of a series of measures.

He said action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was needed across Europe.

Asked if flights may have to be constrained, Lord Turner said: "In absolute terms we may have to look at restricting the number of flights people take.

"The UK will be able to emit 30 million tonnes CO2 as part of a global share. We therefore need to look at what is achievable in terms of reducing aviation emissions in comparison with other sectors of the economy."

His comments came at a meeting of the Environmental Audit Committee.

Former Labour minister Brian Wilson, chairman of the pro-aviation coalition Flying Matters, said: "Any political party inclined to support flight rationing should tread warily since voters do not take kindly to limits being placed on their mobility."