Chris Huhne

LABOUR GOING BACKWARDS ON CLIMATE CHANGE TARGETS – HUHNE

New statistics released today reveal that carbon dioxide emissions in the UK continued to rise in 2006.

Emissions have risen by 3.7% since their low in 1999. Last year alone emissions rose by a further 1.25%, an extra 6,000,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP, said:

“The continued increase in carbon emissions shows Labour’s failure to tackle climate change.

“The Government’s record since its Climate Change Programme was published has not been good.

“Green taxes have been falling steadily as a percentage of our national income, meaning the Government has failed to use a key lever to tackle climate change

“The steady rise in carbon emissions since 2000, when the Government capitulated to the fuel protesters, is now coming home to roost.

“The main causes of this sharp rise are probably increased transport emissions from cars and domestic air flights, plus increased burning of coal to generate electricity.

“With rising gas prices the roll for coal is replacing the dash for gas. The Budget shows that the Government is not even able to estimate the impact of the measures it has announced on emissions. We desperately need a proper strategy.”