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Green election challenge: final scores
29 April 1997
EMBARGOED UNTIL TUESDAY 29 APRIL 1997 page 1 of 1
Liberal Democrats 30
Labour 11
Conservatives 10
Friends of the Earth today released the final results of its Green Gauntlet Election Challenge - the definitive analysis of how the three main parties shape up on environmental policy. The parties were asked to respond to a check-list of ten key environmental priorities(including the issues of traffic, nuclear waste and green taxes) and the answers were analysed. Final results show the Liberal Democrats far in the lead with 30 points while Labour and the Conservatives are on almost level scores (11 and 10 respectively).
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:
"We provided an objective environmental yardstick for measuring the green policies of the three main parties. All the parties had an equal opportunity to take the lead on green issues and the Liberal Democrats have risen to the challenge most convincingly. Of the three main parties, environmentalists should have the most confidence in the Liberal Democrats' commitment to deliver genuine environmental improvements in all areas.
Labour have taken on board the fact that the environment extends throughout all areas of government but fall down on the real substance of their policies - the jury is still out on what they would do in power. The Conservatives took a lead in just two areas - they dumped Nirex and initiated green tax reform -but scored zero in four other areas. Why won't they go further? They should be backing up John Gummer's proposals for tough international environmental action with commitments to deliver a green agenda at home."
ENDS
Visit Friends of the Earth's General Election 97 web pages for full manifesto analysis, news and different perspectives on which party is likely to prove best for the environment.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Dec 2008
