Archived press release

Hilary Benn to address Friends of the Earth conference

7 September 2007

Environment Minister Hilary Benn will be urged to include the UK's share of international emissions from aviation and shipping in Government plans for a new climate change law, when he attends the Friends of the Earth's annual local groups conference this evening [1] (Friday). Mr Benn is giving a keynote speech at this weekend's gathering, which is taking place at the University of Reading.

The Government is due to publish final details of its proposals for a new law to cut UK carbon dioxide emissions later this autumn. Friends of the Earth has led the call for a new climate change law through The Big Ask climate campaign [2], which was launched in 2005. Although the environmental campaign group is delighted that the Government is introducing climate legislation, the organisation says that it must be much stronger if it is to be effective. The new law must:

Include the UK's share of international emissions from aviation and shipping;

Ensure that UK emissions are cut by the equivalent of at least three per cent every year (which will lead to a cut of around 80 per cent by 2050 (based on 1990 figures).

Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said:

"We are delighted that Hilary Benn is delivering a keynote speech at our annual conference this weekend. We were impressed at the way the he approached development issues in his last job and we are now hoping he will make a real positive impact on climate change. His top priority must be to ensure that the UK plays a leading role in tackling global emissions. Strengthening the Government's new climate chang e law must be a key focus for him. Emissions from across the economy must be covered by this, including those from international aviation and shipping. To ensure that the new law has an immediate and continuing impact, the minister must press hard for annual carbon dioxide cuts of at least three per cent."

Despite repeated promises of substantial cuts, UK carbon dioxide emissions have risen by around two per cent since Labour came to power in 1997.

Notes

[1] Hilary Benn will be giving the John Preedy Memorial Lecture.

[2]. www.thebigask.com

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust