From London to Cornwall…by Plane

Boris Johnson shunned for arriving at the G7 summit in Cornwall by plane.

The Prime Minister arrived in Cornwall on Thursday 10 June to discuss the pandemic and climate change with world leaders.

His decision to travel 250 miles by plane, however, led critics to question his stance on climate change.

Shadow Environment Secretary, Luke Pollard, tweeted: “This is plane stupid. There’s not trainline to Washington or Tokyo but there is one between Cornwall and London.

“Take the train, Prime Minister.”

The Green Party also voiced their disappointment, claiming there was “a big gaping hole between Boris’ climate talk and climate action.”

Scottish Green MSP, Ross Greer, said: “Did he really just fly from London to Cornwall to talk about a ‘greener future’?”

But it was not just politicians who had their say. Thousands took to social media to condemn the Prime Minister for his actions.

Comedy writer, Mollie Goodfellow, said: “If I wanted a greener world I would simply…not take a plane to Cornwall.”

Mr. Johnson was not phased by such a backlash however. On landing, he told reporters: “I respectfully point out that the UK is actually in the lead in developing sustainable aviation fuel.”

He continued: “One of the points in the 10-point plan for our green industrial revolution is to get jet-zero as well as net-zero.”

But this is not the first time Mr. Johnson has taken short-haul flights. In the weeks leading up to the Hartlepool by-election, the Prime Minister flew from London to Teesside to assist with local campaigning.

Mr. Johnson is not the only UK party leader to receive criticism for such travel however. Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader, flew from London to Edinburgh during the Holyrood election campaign.

Climate change, while a topic in circulation, does not appear to be on the agenda.

Madeleine Raine

Featured image courtesy of Li-An Lim on Unsplash. This image has not been altered. Image license is available here.