Archived press release

75 percent back new climate law as Thom Yorke plays sell out climate change gig

1 May 2006

Three quarters of the UK population would support the introduction of a new law to combat climate change, a new survey revealed today (1 May). The results were released as some of the UK's top musicians prepare to play `The Big Ask Live' - a sell out bank holiday concert at KOKO in London in support of The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth's climate campaign.

The national online survey, conducted for Friends of the Earth by TNS, asked 1000 people aged between the ages of 16 and 64 if they would support the introduction of a new law requiring the Government to tackle climate change by making annual reductions in UK carbon dioxide emissions, as called for by `The Big Ask' campaign.

Results also showed that there is strong support for a new climate change law across all age groups and all social groups.

`The Big Ask Live' line up includes Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead; Gruff Rhys, lead singer of the Super Furry Animals; and Kate Rusby, voted the Best Live Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. The concert, which is being hosted by comedian Simon Amstell, has attracted support from music fans, celebrities, and politicians.

The London gig is the highlight of a series of concerts being held across the country in support of `The Big Ask,' a Friends of the Earth campaign that is calling on the UK government to take action to combat climate change. Friends of the Earth is calling for the introduction of new climate change laws which would force the government to cut emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, by three per cent every year. For more information go to www.thebigask.com.

Climate change has topped the political agenda for much of the year yet carbon dioxide emissions in the UK continue to rise.

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper said:

"Like Thom Yorke and the other artists playing The Big Ask Live, the vast majority of people want to see the Government take action to tackle climate change. This means a new climate change law that would require the Government to make annual reductions in the UK's carbon emissions."

Thom Yorke from Radiohead who helped launch The Big Ask campaign in May 2005 said:

"The best thing about `The Big Ask' for me is the fact that there's no longer this sense of powerlessness, which is what I had for so long about climate change."

Gruff Rhys said:

"Climate change is going to affect us all so we all need to do something about it. That's why I am supporting The Big Ask - Friends of the Earth's Climate Campaign."

Kate Rusby said:

"I am totally delighted to be performing at The Big Ask Live. Not only will it be a great night of music - it's an opportunity for me to help highlight that there is something people can do about climate change by supporting Friends of the Earth's climate campaign - The Big Ask."

Notes

The Big Ask Live line up includes:

Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood: A long time Friends of the Earth supporter, Radiohead's Thom Yorke has been active in the fight for justice for the world's poor. But it was during the recording of fourth album, Kid A, in 2000 when climate change registered on his radar.His presence at The Big Ask launch in May 2005 - a frenzied day of media interviews and head to heads with Government ministers - helped spread this positive message to millions around the world. Jonny Greenwood hooked up with Thom and fellow band members - Jonny's older brother Colin, Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway - in Oxford back in the 80s. Many years and six Radiohead albums later, Thom and Jonny are performing an exclusive and intimate set for The Big Ask Live.

Gruff Rhys: Gruff's band Super Furry Animals have consistently blended classic song writing with breathtaking experimentation - fusing disparate musical genres including power pop, punk rock, techno, and progressive rock. Since forming in Cardiff during the early 90s, Super Furry Animals have released seven albums, in English and Welsh, to critical acclaim. Their creativity doesn't stop at making music. From early festival tours with their blue techno tank, the band gained a legendary reputation for pushing the boundaries. Whether performing in a space-man suit or simply with his guitar, Gruff and Super Furry Animals never fail to put on a show.

Kate Rusby: Voted Best Live Act in this year's BBC Folk Awards and with six albums to her name, the "Barnsley nightingale" has been gathering friends across Britain's musical battle lines for over a decade. Kate recorded her first solo album, Hourglass, in 1997 and has since gone on to receive plaudits in the UK and abroad, including a Mercury nomination for her 1999 album, Sleepless. Kate didn't think twice when invited to get involved with The Big Ask. Accompanying Kate at The Big Ask Live is her acclaimed band, featuring John McCusker, Andy Cutting and Andy Seward.

Simon Amstell: Since 2000, Simon Amstell has been the presenter of Popworld - Channel 4's weekly pop programme - with Miquita Oliver. In his youth, Amstell was the youngest finalist of the BBC New Comedy Awards. Simon performs regularly on the stand-up circuit and hosted his own show at the Pleasance during 2005's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He regularly appears on Xfm, standing in for Adam and Joe on Saturday afternoons, and in 2005 he co-hosted an Xfm show with Lauren Laverne. In 2005 he hosted Channel 4's coverage of the Wireless Festival, and in 2004 co-hosted cove rage of the V Festival. Simon left Popworld in April to pursue his stand-up career.

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