Airlines told to cut down on plastic

PLASTIC PACKAGING and cutlery could be cut back on flights as part of the Government’s new green drive.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg announced plans to make Britain’s aviation sector the world’s “greenest”, including by working with airlines to reduce the use of single-use plastics and improve recycling rates.

It comes amid a wider drive against plastics led by Environment Secretary Michael Gove, following the successful highlighting of the issue by the

BBC series on ocean pollution by Sir David Attenborough.

The Government’s aviation strategy next-steps document also includes proposals to tackle aircraft noise, greenhouse gas emissions and airspace congestion.

Environmental proposals include the introduction of new noise targets, tighter noise controls at airports and improved compensation for people living near airports.

The document also contained measures to make fees more transparent, ease journeys for wheelchair users and tackle disruptive passengers.

Making it easier for passengers to claim compensation after delays and cancellations also forms a key part of the plans.

Baroness Sugg said: “Our world-class aviation industry has a proud and accomplished history, from pioneering the first international routes to championing consumer choice.

“Working with industry, we want to improve the flying experience from booking to arrival, ensuring passengers are truly at the heart of the aviation sector.

“This demonstrates our commitment to creating a transport system which works for passengers as we build a Britain fit for the future.” THE FORMER Russian double agent poisoned with a nerve agent is no longer critically ill in hospital, according to doctors.

Sergei Skripal is “responding well to treatment, improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition”.

Mr Skripal, 66, and his 33-yearold daughter Yulia were left fighting for their lives in hospital after being found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury on March 4.

Police believe Mr Skripal and his daughter, who was visiting him from Russia, first came into contact with the novichok agent at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Ms Skripal made her first public comments on Wednesday shortly after Russian TV reported that she had contacted a relative in Moscow to say she and her father were recovering and that she would soon be discharged.

Earlier, Russia warned that Britain is “playing with fire and will be sorry” over the Salisbury poisoning.

The two countries referenced British dramas and the Nazis as they traded jibes at the United Nations, with the UK arguing that doubt should not be cast on the likelihood of Russian responsibility for the novichok nerve agent attack. But Russian UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya read from to mock suggestions of Russian involvement.