11 Aug 2002
Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth said:
"Labour is failing on its promise to put the environment at the heart of its polices. The Government goes on about the importance of sustainable development, but when it comes to the crunch, green issues are usually either compromised or completely ignored.
"Despite better wildlife protection and some progress on cutting pollution levels, policies on waste, transport and energy are failing to deliver, and plans to massively expand the aviation industry are insane. And with a pro-nuclear minister in charge of the energy review, more atomic power plants could well be on the horizon.
"This months Earth Summit is a golden opportunity to tackle environment and development problems in an economically responsible way. But without firm commitment it will be a catastrophic failure. The UK has led on moves to tackle climate change and debt relief, it must now play a similar role in Johannesburg. We need firm agreements that tackle poverty and environmental degradation, and not cosy deals to suit big business."
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team