MP Alex Sobel has been discussing plans to cut aircraft emissions with Leeds Bradford Airport.

Mr Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) also met representatives from the Yearon airport's biggest partnership airline, Jet2, during his visit.

LBA put forward a proposal in June, designed to increase the efficiency of flights, to increase the height of local airspace from 7,000 to 12,500 feet.

That would allow aircraft more time to request permission to enter national airspace, cutting the number of times they have to power down and up again after take-off.

It would also allow for standard arrival routes - currently unavailable to LBA - to be used, increasing the predictability and efficiency of aircraft.

Mr Sobel said: "I am keen to support any proposals that would reduce the amount of CO2 and Nitrogen Oxide that aircraft coming into or departing from the airport produce.

"Increasing local airspace so that aircraft put less pressure on their engines, as well as increasing efficiency by introducing standard arrival routes, is a good starting point for this.

"I am also interested to hear more about how the current proposals might reduce noise for residents in Yeadon and the surrounding area.

"I have been reassured by the airport that departing aircraft will still use the current Noise Preferential Routes.

"I would like to hear from residents about their thoughts on this and encourage them to take part in the airport’s consultation process, which closes on October 6."

Jet2 meanwhile, which employs more than 2,500 people locally, discussed its campaigns to tackle disruptive passenger behaviour and fraudulent sickness claims.

Managing Director Phil Ward said: "As a family friendly airline and leading package holiday specialist we are determined that a small minority of people will not spoil things for the majority.

"We have taken an industry-leading stance on both these issues and are consulting with the Government on a way forward.

"It was a very productive meeting and I thank Alex for his interest in both our business and the issues that we discussed."

Mr Sobel said: "Jet2 is a major employer and provides flights and holidays for hundreds of thousands of people, so it was great to visit the operations and meet many of the staff.

"I was concerned to hear about the issues caused by disruptive passengers and fraudulent sickness claims, and committed to raise these issues in Parliament.

"I was also pleased to raise the potential of a new, more environmentally friendly fleet to reduce harm to our environment."

The MP, meanwhile, is also warning that a 'hard' Brexit could have serious repercussions for aviation.

He said: "We must ensure we have a jobs-first Brexit that does not harm our communities and major industries."