Young slams State of the Nation

Environment Agency chief executive Barbara Young this week criticised the ICE for backing the unsustainable growth of airports and seaports.

She said last week's State of the Nation report ducked the issue of deciding how many airports and seaports could realistically be expanded. State of the Nation called for the expansion of eight UK airports and says that all of the UK's commercial ports were 'crucial in developing and implementing a sustainable, integrated transport strategy'. On airports, Young said: 'The reality is that most of the airport expansion is based on exponential growth, but you cannot predict this. Environmental concerns over air travel and the rising cost of fossil fuels will increase the cost of flying, which will have an impact on passenger numbers.'