Archived press release

Kennedy puts environment at heart of lib dem campaign.

20 March 2001

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy today promised that the environment would be at the heart of the party's Election campaign. Friends of the Earth has welcomed his speech, delivered to a Green Alliance meeting today, at the Royal Society of Arts.

Strong points from Mr Kennedy's speech included:

• An emphasis on “Green Justice". The poor are always worst affected by environmental problems, whether in developing countries (e.g. flooding in Mozambique) or at home in the UK (children from social classes D and E are five times more likely than children in social class A to be road accident victims, the worst polluting factories are heavily concentrated in low income areas, and up to eight million households live in “fuel poverty” in draughty, cold homes.

• Some strong policy pledges, including progressive cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of 1.5% every year until 2050, a new Carbon Tax on greenhouse gas emissions, a target of 60% of energy to come from renewable sources by the end of the century and possible “sanctions” against the US for obstructive behaviour in world climate talks.

Commenting, Friends of the Earth Executive Director Charles Secrett said:
“This was a powerful green speech from Charles Kennedy, which I warmly welcome.The challenge facing the Liberal Democrats now is to force these issues to the top of the public agenda during the General Election campaign. They can only do this if they mobilise the whole Party in the way they did over education at the last Election.

Mr Kennedy and Mr Blair have both made important speeches in the run-up to the General Election. When will Mr Hague follow suit? Surely he cannot want to begin the campaign as the only Party leader who has not recognised the political, social and economic importance of green issues. That would be to turn his back on some of the most vital issues facing the country. Many voters would not forgive such an abdication of responsibility.”

NOTES

FOE has compiled a database of major environmental threats by constituency (including planned roads,incinerators and GM trial sites. Contact FOE Press Office for details. FOE is calling on all three parties to support key “Green Cross” policies including a national doorstep recycling scheme, practical policies to cut carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by 20% by 2010, strict liability for biotech companies for any damage caused by GM crops and a major programme of investment in public transport.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust