Government unwilling to take stronger measures on climate change - Howarth

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

The Brown administration is shying away from strong measures on climate change said Cambridge MP David Howarth after yesterday's debate on the Climate Change Bill.

David Howarth MP

Mr Howarth called for a carbon reduction of at least 80% by 2050 and asked for the inclusion of international aviation emissions and of all greenhouse gases in the Bill. The current Bill excludes international aviation emissions which dramatically contribute to the global temperature rise and sets a 60% target of carbon reduction.

Mr Howarth commented:

"Many of my constituents have written to me climate change and I share their concerns. The scale of the problem that we face is the equivalent of the challenge was posed by nuclear war. It might be happening more slowly and in a different way but it is the same sort of thing.

"The Government's argument against my proposals is that global temperature is not under our control because it is a matter for international action. However, we have to take responsibility for our share and we have to set an example.

"It is also essential that, if we are to create a market for ethical investment and consumption, we should have the strongest possible reporting requirements on companies. It is a way in which individuals can take part in the fight against climate change in their own lives, by making choices in the market."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. David Howarth was the only representative of the Commons Lib Dem group on the joint pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the Bill. He then moved several amendments which were all voted down by Labour MPs and received no support from the Conservative side.