Government failure on climate targets 'threatens all our futures' says Andrew Simpson

5.00.00pm GMT Wed 8th Dec 2004

Carbon Dioxide emissions are down just 7.5% despite the Government's 20% target

Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman, described the government's review of its climate change policy announced today as "a typical slight of hand by this government - first they miss the targets they, themselves, set to reduce greenhouse gasses. Then, rather than take the action needed to meet those targets they 'review' them downwards - and have the brass neck to claim they are promoting 'green and sustainable' policies".

He went on "Failure to reduce greenhouse gasses will have catastrophic results on the environment - with more global warming, more violent and unpredictable weather and increased flooding - cutting the targets threatens all of our futures - and those of future generations. It is pointless cutting targets to protect industry's short-term profits if the result is widespread environmental damage in the medium term. Greenhouse gas production today is virtually the same as in 1997 when Labour came to power".

"Tony Blair makes passionate speeches about helping Africa and on using Britain's presidency of G8 to influence the industrial world - including the Americans who are burying their heads in the sand and refusing to sign the Kyoto Treaty. All Blair's fine words are meaningless if he refuses to tackle the major cause of global warming at home".