Climate crisis: Pressure builds on Boris Johnson to deliver green transport measures during coronavirus recovery

The aviation industry 'owes it to the rest of society' after receiving €30bn of support from taxpayers as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, think tank director tells Harry Cockburn

Boris Johnson cycles past the Houses of Parliament in 2013 during his second term as mayor of London (Getty )

As the UK government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis has seen Britain become among the world’s worst affected countries, pressure is now growing on the prime minister to implement a coherent recovery plan which puts the environment at the top of the agenda.

On Thursday, the think tank Transport and Environment called on the government to include international aviation emissions in official net zero calculations and suggested bailout funds should only be issued to airlines subject to the companies meeting environmental conditions.

The organisation said more than €30bn (£26.8bn) has been allocated to bailout airlines across Europe due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but suggested government funds should only be issued subject to the companies meeting environmental conditions.