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Tories lose the plot on green taxes
21 May 2001
Friends of the Earth today hit out at Tories business manifesto. The Tories are threatening to cut key green taxes such as the climate change levy and aggregates tax.
Charles Secrett, Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth said:
“Green tax reform was begun by Kenneth Clarke when he was Chancellor. But under Michael Portillo, the Tories have lost the plot. Green taxes are used to cut other business taxes. The lion's share of money raised from the climate change levy and the aggregates tax will be used to cut employers' National Insurance Contributions - a tax on companies for employing people.
Green taxes don't mean more tax overall. They mean that business will pay more for damaging the environment but less for creating jobs. That is good for the environment, good for employment and good for the UK economy.
“Why do the Tories persist in portraying themselves as the least green of all the major parties? There are no votes in environmental indifference.”
Friends of the Earth also criticised Tory plans for further moves towards unregulated free trade. FOE argues that the Tory plans would increase environmental destruction and further widen the global gap between rich and poor.
Friends of the Earth is challenging all politicians standing in the General Election to adopt 5 key green targets to deliver a cleaner, safer world. These cover waste, transport, food,climate change and greening business. Details can be found at www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/general_election/
FOE has produced a set of briefings ahead of the General Election on the environment.
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
Last modified: Jun 2008
