Howard’s hot air is no solution for Global Warming - Beckett (Labour Party Press Release)

MARGARET BECKETT MP, Labour’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, commenting on Michael Howard’s speech on the environment today, said:

“Michael Howard’s hypocrisy beggars belief. Howard opposes the climate change levy and Labour’s renewable programme. His front bench team also attacked Labour’s proposal for the EU Emissions Trading scheme and he will not sign up to our goal of reducing emissions by 60% by 2050. If he wants to adopt a leadership position on climate change, he could start by supporting some of Labour’s most successful policies for tackling climate change.

“Tony Blair is renowned and respected across the world for his leadership on international climate change, and there is enormous enthusiasm for his decision to make this a top priority for our G8 Presidency. Britain is at the forefront of the European Union’s leadership position on international climate change.

“I am proud of Labour’s environmental record. Whether it is clean streets, tackling climate change, or improving the quality of our air, drinking water and beaches, Labour is delivering in the UK and in Europe.

“Labour’s European manifesto set out our commitment to UK and European leadership in tackling international climate change. It stated: ‘Europe is at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change, the most pressing environmental challenge facing the world. We will use our EU Presidency in 2005 to encourage all countries to deliver their Kyoto commitments to reduce emissions, and we will start a dialogue with our international partners on how we should tackle climate change in the longer term’. (Britain is Working: European Elections 2004 manifesto)