The Labour government plan to tax Caribbean passengers at a higher rate than those travelling to the West Coast of the United States, which is further away from the UK.

 We want the flight taxes based on the distance they travel and the carbon dioxide levels they emit. This would be fairer on UK residents with family in the Caribbean and better for the environment, too.

We, the undersigned call on Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer not to proceed with his proposed taxes increases on flights to the Caribbean. Tax on flights should be based on distance and carbon dioxide emissions, not on arbitrary and unfair boundaries drawn up by a government minister. Labour’s plans don’t protect the environment, they just protect American business interests.