Success for Climate Change Bill campaign

3.57.31pm GMT Fri 24th Nov 2006

David Howarth MP has welcomed the announcement of a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's Speech on the 15th November. Mr. Howarth supports The Big Ask Campaign for annual targets to cut carbon dioxide pollution.

Mr. Howarth had joined 412 MPs - almost two thirds of MPs overall, and a majority in every party sitting in Parliament - in signing a Parliamentary petition calling for new legislation "so that annual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of 3% can be delivered." The Government has responded by promising a Climate Change Bill in its programme of legislation for 2007.

Radiohead singer Thom Yorke launched The Big Ask campaign in May 2005. Since then, over 100,000 people from across the country, and well over 200 people in Cambridge, have put The Big Ask to their MP by postcard, email or letter.

David Howarth said:

David Howarth MP

"It is great news that after a long campaign the Government have agreed to bring forward a climate change bill to set binding targets for carbon emissions. However we need to have annual targets, not just one for 2050, to allow us to assess the Government's progress and to make the policy changes needed to meet the targets."

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper, said:

"We are delighted that a Climate Change Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech - this is something Friends of the Earth has been campaigning for through The Big Ask climate campaign. The Bill is a crucial first step in step in ensuring the UK plays its part in keeping temperatures below danger levels. The next step is to ensure the Bill delivers the cuts that are needed through the introduction of annual targets for reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions."