Industry welcomes UK cross-party support for sustainable aviation fuel as MPs debate issue

Cross-party MPs from across the political spectrum voiced support for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and decarbonisation.
MPs spoke out about the need to back early stage sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facilities in the country.
The debate, Work of the Jet Zero Council, took place in Westminster Hall and was secured by a member of the Conservative Environment Network, Andrew Selous MP.
MPs who made contributions included Aviation Minister Robert Courts, Shadow Green Transport Minister Kerry McCarthy and Catherine McKinnell, co-chair of the all-party group on Sustainable Aviation.
Members of Parliament used the opportunity to highlight the important work of the Jet Zero Council, convened by the Prime Minister, Transport Secretary, and BEIS Secretary in July to bring Government and industry together to accelerate aviation decarbonisation.
Recently published research by industry coalition Sustainable Aviation confirmed that the UK could be home to up to 14 sustainable aviation fuel facilities, in seven clusters across the country: Teesside, Humberside, the North-West, South Wales, Southampton, St Fergus, and Grangemouth.
The next meeting of the Jet Zero Council is due to take place at the end of October, which will be an important opportunity for Government and industry to discuss and make progress on accelerating the development of early stage SAF facilities.
Debate organiser Andrew Selous MP said in Parliament: “We should harness our huge strength in aviation technology and engineering to find new solutions to allow us to fly without wrecking the planet.
“We also need to ensure that the UK is at the forefront of sustainable aviation, so that the high-skilled, high-wage jobs of the future are provided here. We cannot leave this to chance, as has unfortunately happened with other technologies in the past.”
Speaking at the debate, Aviation Minister Robert Courts MP said: “Britain has always led the way on aviation, and we will continue to do so. There is a huge prize in sight: developing the sector that meets the challenges of the future, and we will be front and centre, capturing those first mover advantages.”
Adam Morton, chair of Sustainable Aviation, said: “The support from a broad range of MPs from right across the political landscape is testament to this crucial issue. It’s so important to see this coalition come together to back early stage sustainable aviation fuel facilities.
“With £500m in Government support to commercialise these projects, we can create thousands of jobs, slash our carbon emissions, and make Britain a world leader in green aviation technology.”