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Foe backs blair on fuel duty
11 September 2000
Friends of the Earth today welcomed Prime Minister Tony Blair's refusal to reduce duty on fuel,and called on him to show political leadership to make the transfer to a fossil-free economy. Fossil fuels are one of the major causes of global climate change, which threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of friends of the Earth said:
“Congratulations to the Prime Minister for refusing to reduce duty on petrol. It is crucial to keep prices high to combat climate change and meet the UK's 20 per cent carbon dioxide reduction target.
“This crisis has been fuelled by the lack of political leadership. Politicians of all parties,led by the Prime Minister, must now help business and consumers wake up to the terrible consequences of global climate change and the need to drastically cut back on our use of fossil fuels.”
“Moving to a fossil-free economy will have huge economic benefits through measures such as energy efficiency and the development of renewables. The technology is already here, whether it be for vehicles, the home or industry. All that is lacking is a political will to develop them. Unless we take action to tackle this terrible problem millions of people around the world, including Britain, will be either killed, left homeless or face financial ruin.”
NOTES
[1] Friends of the Earth International today published 'Gathering Storm: the human cost of climate change' which includes testimonies from survivors of Hurricane Mitch and recent floods in Orissa, India. Continued high petrol prices in the UK are expected to save 2.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions, a significant part of the UK's obligation under the Kyoto Protocol.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
