Archived press release

Cameron backs new climate change law

1 September 2006

Calls by Conservative Party leader David Cameron for a climate change law to be included in the next Queen's Speech were welcomed by Friends of the Earth today (1 September). The Big Ask, Friends of the Earths climate campaign, has been calling for the introduction of a climate law which would commit the Government to reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent year on year.

The call to include a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's Speech has also been backed by the environment spokesmen of most opposition parties, who have sent a letter to the Prime Minister today urging him to include such a Bill in the Queen's Speech. The letter has also been signed by a wide range of organisations including WWF, People and Planet and the Women's Institute.

Friends of the Earth believes a Climate Change Bill is a crucial first step to tackling climate change, as it would set annual targets for carbon reductions, with annual reports and independent scrutiny of progress. Current long term targets for cutting carbon dioxide have not led to cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. Because the targets are so distant so have not received the priority they require.

The Queen's Speech, which takes place at the opening of the new session of Parliament in November, will set out the Bills the Government will bring to Parliament in the following year. A Climate Change Bill needs to be included in the speech, to signify that the Government will make available time for Parliament to debate and pass such a Bill into law.

This month, Friends of the Earth launches `The Big Ask, Big Month, Big Lobby', a month of activity on climate change when people across the country will visit their MP to ask them to support the introduction of a climate law in the next session of parliament. 380 MPs from a range of political parties already back the organisation's calls for a climate law.

Friends of the Earth Executive Director, Tony Juniper said:

"We are delighted that David Cameron has called for the introduction of a climate change law. Friends of the Earth has been calling for new legislation for a number of years as part of The Big Ask climate campaign. There is now overwhelming cross-party support for new rules committing the UK to annual reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The Prime Minister should now feel confident that he has the support to introduce a climate bill in the Queen's Speech aimed at cutting UK emissions and making Britain a world leader in tackling this crisis."

Friends of the Earth is part of the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition:
www.stopclimatechaos.org/

The Big Ask: www.thebigask.com

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