The Spectator’s Notes | 17 March 2007

Every winter morning I take a scuttle down to the cellar, fill it with coal and carry it up to light the fire in my study. The coal-dust clings to my shoes and so, as the carpets testify, I have a carbon footprint. David Cameron wants to make it — and everyone else’s — smaller. He is now reaching the dangerous point when his generalised, benevolent sentiments about the planet start to translate into policies which would load new cost on to individuals. His suggested tax on flying is a political mistake because it will be seen, rightly, as hurting poorer people and those who have to pay with their own money. Huge numbers of flights are made by civil servants — often to attend international environmental conferences — but of course they won’t notice the increased cost. Young people, families, small businessmen, lovers all will. The most basic rule for any Conservative considering the structure of taxes should be — identify with the interest of the rising class and support it.