Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Tony blair to spend only 5 mins saving planet?
22 August 2002
It emerged today that Tony Blair could spend just five minutes on his avowed
priority of saving the planet when he visits the Johannesburg Earth Summit.
Current plans suggest that the Prime Minister will not be arriving at the Summit
until just before giving his five minute speech on Monday 2nd September and will
be back in the UK by Tuesday 3rd.
Mike Childs, Senior Campaigner at Friends of the Earth commented:
"Even Tony Blair can't save the planet in five minutes. So much for the UK
Government making a great priority of the Earth Summit. Before the last world
trade ministerial meeting in Doha, Mr Blair flew around South America drumming
up interest in freeing up trade for big business. In contrast his five minute
showing in Johannesburg looks like the bare minimum he can do to get a good
headline without putting in too much diplomatic effort. If this is the best he
can do, people who care about our environment and about sustainable development
will be deeply disappointed."
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



