The Big Ask? Labour Answers 1 September 2006
The Big Ask Big Month Big Lobby has one clear aim - to ask Tony Blair and David Miliband to introduce a Climate Change Bill.
The Climate Change Bill would for the first time commit the Government to year on year cuts in emissions - rather than just setting far off targets.
Good news
While the media interest in Tony Blair's speech was on his long goodbye - we were waiting to hear what he said on climate change.
Tony Blair promised to:
...take the necessary measures, step by step by step, to meet ... a 60% cut in [carbon] emissions by 2050.
Tony Blair, Labour Party Conference, 2006
This marks a really significant shift in what he has previously said on climate change - and a really positive step forward in his support for the Climate Change Bill.
And also
Also at the conference, Environment Secretary David Miliband repeatedly told delegates in fringe meetings that it is our total cumulative emissions that need to be controlled - and not simply reaching a target in 2050.
In other words - we need to get ourselves on a downward trend of emissions - exactly what we are asking for in a Climate Change Bill.
Visiting your MP
So, thanks to all your hard work, the Government is sitting up and taking note. Last week we received a copy of a leaked briefing note from the Labour Party. It's proof that we are making a huge impact.
In the note, the Government welcomes the work of Friends of the Earth on the Climate Change Bill, but suggests there are two reasons why it can not support such legislation.
Firstly they argue that the Bill is an end without means - in other words we don't include actual ways to reduce emissions. Our reply?
We have never suggested that the Government introduces a Bill and then does nothing else. That wouldn't make sense. What the Bill provides is a framework to measure all the things we are calling for. We've also put together a long list of solutions and ways the Government can cut carbon emissions.
Martyn Williams, Senior Parliamentary Campaigner
Secondly they say that the Bill does not allow for annual fluctuations in emissions. These could happen because of various external influences such as world energy prices and the weather.
Our reply? Of course emissions will go up and down - but the important thing is to get them on a downward trend. The Bill would be flexible and allow for small fluctuations, but prevent more serious failures.
If you would like to know more, you can read the full copy of the leaked Labour Party briefing and Friends of the Earth's response.
Press for change
Take part in the Big Ask. Big Month. Big Lobby.
