MSPs have been urged to back a new private jet tax as new data showed the world’s richest 1 per cent had burned their entire annual carbon limit – in just ten days. Oxfam Scotland has said the shocking milestone highlights the need for the Holyrood budget to rein in lavish private jet culture amongst the super-rich.
They say SNP ministers could use devolved powers on air tax they have so far failed to use to tax polluting-spewing private planes to the hilt. New analysis by the charity shows the wealthiest 1 per cent of the world’s population used up their share of the annual global carbon budget – the amount of CO2 that can be added to the atmosphere without pushing the world beyond 1.5C of warming – within the first ten days of 2025.
A private jet levy wasn’t included in the Scottish Government’s draft Budget. However, with the SNP minority administration led by John Swinney still in budget negotiations with other parties, campaigners said the measure could be pushed for by rival MSPs as a price for their support.
The Scottish Greens have previously backed the policy, which it’s estimated could bring in up to £30million in revenues for Holyrood. Globally, the richest 1 per cent are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution than the poorest half of humanity put together.
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “Private jets are the poster child of climate injustice, heaping yet more unnecessary pollution on a planet that’s already consumed by a deadly combination of floods, fire and famine. The Scottish Government faces a stark choice: take bold action to make these rich polluters pay for their lavish lifestyle choices or remain complicit in their deadly destruction.
“A private jet tax would send a powerful message that Scotland won’t tolerate the reckless demolition of our collective future.” Powers over flight taxes were devolved from Westminster to Holyrood in 2017, however the new Scottish Air Departure Tax (ADT) remains in limbo amid wrangling between the two governments over an exemption for Highland and islands flights.
Data shows nearly 13,000 private jet flights recorded at Scotland’s airports in 2023. Estimates suggest they emit up to 14 times more carbon per passenger than commercial flights. Oxfam has previously called for hitting the rich with an £800 tax every time they fly private on short distances, rising to £6000 for long-haul flights.
As budget talks continue, Livingstone added: “MSPs have a no-brainer opportunity to help get Scotland’s climate credibility back on track – tax private jets, raise vital funds for green initiatives and show the world that Scotland really means business on climate action.”
John Swinney recently suggested he was open to a private jet tax in Scotland, telling MSPs it was a “welcome suggestion”. It came as his government committed in October to reviewing ADT rates and bands, including private jet tax rates.
The UK Government announced in its Autumn Budget it will increase the higher rate of Air Passenger Duty for private jets by 50 per cent.
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