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Foe challenges jarrow fuel protesters

9 November 2000

Friends of the Earth is challenging fuel protesters to debate the issue of climate change [1]. Protesters today confirmed that a protest convoy and rally will still go ahead despite fuel concessions in the Budget. FOE campaigners will be at Jarrow, for the start of the lorry convoy on Friday, and will be present along the four-day route to highlight the link between cheaper fuel and climate change.

FOE supports the maintenance of fuel tax at current levels as part of a range of measures to curb the emissions that are causing dangerous climate change and that are linked to thousands of premature deaths. Fuel prices that more accurately reflect the cost that motoring imposes on health and the environment will encourage more fuel-efficient vehicles and the switch to less polluting forms of transport. Next week important international negotiations on how to tackle climate change are taking place in the Hague.

Tony Juniper, Friends of the Earth Policy and Campaigns Director, who will be in Jarrow on Friday, said:
“Climate change is the biggest environmental threat facing the planet. The terrible storms and floods devastating Britain are just a foretaste of what is predicted to come.Road transport is one of the biggest contributors to the problem. Cheaper fuel will only make matters worse. What we need is more fuel efficient vehicles and workable transport alternatives that encourage goods and vehicles off the road.”

Friends of the Earth campaigners are planning to be at the following locations:

  • Jarrow (Friday)
  • Leeds (Saturday)
  • Birmingham (Sunday)
  • Northamptom (Monday)
  • London (Tuesday)

FOE representatives will be available for comment. FOE is seeking to engage the fuel protesters in dialogue about wider environmental issues.
[1] Last week People's Fuel Lobby spokesman Andrew Spence told FOE that he was prepared to debate the issues “anytime, anyplace”.

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

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Last modified: Jul 2008