Fat tax could be on the way claim barristers

Barristers have claimed that a recent court ruling has opened the way for a new 'fat tax' to be charged to overweight fliers.

Concerns also exist that disabled people may not be able to seek compensation if they are mistreated while in the air because a judge has ruled that key parts of the UK's disability and discrimination laws are not enforceable once an aircraft is in the sky.

The judgement came following two cases brought about by disabled fliers who had 'embarrassing accidents' while travelling because they were not allowed to sit close to their carers. Both cases were dismissed.

“The ruling confirms that disabled passengers have no right to dignity once the wheels leave the runway,” Daniel Barnett, a barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, told the Daily Telegraph.

“It also means that airlines are immune if they choose to embarrass overweight passengers by demanding a fat tax.”

Tony Webber, a former economist for the airline Qantas, said last month that obese people should be made to pay more for their travel because the extra weight uses more fuel.

Posted by Jamie Manterfield