The European Federation is planning to include airlines in its carbon trading scheme to help fulfil its obligations under the Kyoto Treaty.

First question – why does the European Federation have any obligations under the Kyoto Treaty?  It’s not a country and I believe most member states signed the treaty and have their own obligations so why does the European Federation need to get involved?

Second question – why is carbon bad for the environment?  I’ve already asked the question but nobody seems to know.

Third question – as an island we rely on air travel more than those on the continent so when our airlines exceed what will undoubtedly be unachievable targets set by the European Federation so they can get more money, what is going to happen to our airlines?  Since 9/11, airlines the world over have been struggling to survive and hammering them with punitive charges under the banner of “green taxes” is going to put them out of business or put up charges meaning that it is the citizens of member states that will end up paying this new tax, not the airlines.

Looks like Labour are going to have to find another “benefit” of membership of the European Federation because “green taxes” are going to price free movement between member states out of the range of ordinary people.