MINISTERS must start work immediately to tax the 1,000 private jet flights a month taking off or landing from Scotland’s airports, Oxfam Scotland said today.

The environmental charity argues that the tax would not only target the most polluting flights and the richest passengers, but could also have netted £20 million for public services this year alone.

Despite First Minister John Swinney last year describing the proposals as “very interesting,” though little progress has been made amid fears it could affect lifeline flights in the Highlands and Islands regions.

Oxfam Scotland’s Jamie Livingstone said: “The First Minister says he’s “very sympathetic” to the idea of a Scottish private jet tax, but sympathy doesn’t cut pointless pollution.

“Detailed preparatory work should start immediately and, ahead of the Scottish election, all parties must commit to this no-brainer fair tax.

“It’s beyond time for the richest polluters to pay up.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said it would “explore all options” for implementing an air departure tax “in a way that protects Highlands and Islands connectivity.”

“Rates and bands — including those for private jets — will be set once this has been resolved,” they added.