Early defeat for England, as team fails to travel sustainably
Responding to the England men’s football team’s decision to fly to Germany for the Euros rather than taking the train – and its decision to stay at a remote training base and fly to matches – Michael Solomon Williams of Campaign for Better Transport said:
“In failing to travel sustainably, England has missed an open goal. By taking the train, the team could have been real champions, using their amazing powers of influence to tackle the leading issue of our time. UEFA has worked to make the tournament sustainable, encouraging teams to use green transport. But instead of seizing an easy win, England has shown itself lacking in ambition and seriousness. After 12 months of record-breaking high temperatures, we can’t be playing games with the planet.”
Campaign for Better Transport, along with hundreds of supporters and football fans, wrote to the England team asking them to travel by train to Germany, and by train or coach to matches. But the team decided to fly to Germany; and rather than using one of UEFA’s recommended training bases to minimise polluting travel during the tournament, it has chosen a more remote base, meaning that the team will reportedly be flying to two of its three group stage matches.
Research by Transport & Environment has shown that by choosing rail or coach rather than flying to their base camp, the England team have could cut CO2e emissions by 91 per cent; and by choosing rail or coach rather than flying during the group stage, it could cut CO2e emissions by 96 per cent
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- The planet has just marked 12 months of record-breaking high temperatures.
- Transport & Environment’s research can be read on its website.
- The Mirror reports that the team will fly from its remote base to two of its three group stage matches.
- Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
