Archived press release

Foe backs blair's tough talk at earth summit ii

23 June 1997

Friends of the Earth today welcomed Prime Minister Tony Blair's tough talk on environmental protection and sustainable development at the Earth Summit II in New York[1], and called on world leaders to take firm and effective action to tackle the considerable environmental and development problems the Earth faces.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the UK Government to take firm action at home and has sent the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, a 'Blueprint for a Green Budget' [2] which includes proposals that can turn Mr Blair's principles into concrete action:

. generally, to increase taxes and levies on pollution, waste, polluting fuels, parking and primary aggregates to fund a £2 billion cut in employer's National Insurance Contributions, and thereby create thousands of jobs, and to green public expenditure away from environmentally damaging economic development;

. specifically, through tax changes such as an end to company car subsidies, lower VAT on energy saving goods and materials and varied duties on vehicles so that gas-guzzlers and polluters pay more, and cleaner, more efficient vehicles less;

. specific public spending proposals including a switch from road-building to public transport, and use of the windfall tax to kick-start a nationwide energy conservation programme;

Charles Secrett, Executive Directive of Friends of the Earth said:
"Mr Blair's speech is full of good green principles, although we still don't know how the Government intends to act. The only specific measure promised is to boost Britain's contribution to the Global Environment Facility. That's good as far as it goes, but it is not nearly enough. We also welcome his criticisms of other nations who are refusing to act for the environment and the poor; and his promise that the UK would go for 20% CO2 cuts by 2010.

Saying the right things is the first step to doing the right thing. But to convince other nations to follow suit, the UK must spell out how Britain will use regulations, taxes and public spending programmes to protect the environment

and foster sustainable economic development. Friends of the Earth wants the Government's welcome words to be backed by an environmental action programme that seamlessly integrates environmental, economic and social priorities. The Chancellor's budget next week is the first opportunity to begin building that action programme."

Friends of the Earth is also looking to the UK and European Union to increase overseas aid and transfer technologies to developing countries that can boost their economies and help the poor, without destroying the environment.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

[1] The Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, was speaking today at the Earth Summit II in New York. Earth Summit II takes place on the fifth anniversary of the United Nationals Conference on Environment and Development in Rio which agreed conventions to protect the world's climate and biodiversity. For further information see 'Earth Summit II - Press Briefing' from Friends of the Earth.

[2] A one-page summary of Friends of the Earth's 'Blueprint for a Green Budget' is attached. A further briefing, 'Tax, Jobs and Sustainability - the need for change' is available from FOE.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust