Archived press release

Johnny Borrell Fronts Exclusive Climate Change Gig

20 May 2008

Razorlight front man and Friends of the Earth supporter Johnny Borrell launches the final stage of the charity's climate change campaign, The Big Ask, today (20 May) [1]. Borrell, together with other high profile supporters including KT Tunstall, and Sean Hughes, are urging the public calling on the Government to include emissions from aviation in the new climate change law [2].

On 3 June 2008 Borrell will take to the stage for a one-off gig in front of a commercial jet in the aviation room of London's Science Museum.

The gig will highlight Government plans to leave the UK's share of emissions from international flights and shipping out of the new Law and will call on MPs to vote to strengthen the law when they get the chance later this year. To make the point, Borrell will play an acoustic set to representatives of all industries in the UK except the aviation and shipping industries - highlighting the unfairness of the proposed law. Fans have until Tuesday 27 May to win tickets to the exclusive gig at www.thebigask.com.

Johnny is joined by Thom Yorke, Sean Hughes, KT Tunstall, Lloyd Grossman and others on board The Big Ask virtual flight to parliament, also launched today. The public are invited to book a seat on the flight to send a message to their MP about the need for a strong law. The campaigners' hope this is one plane the Government simply can't ignore. To get on board go to: www.thebigask.com

A series of quirky animations featuring other planes that are difficult to ignore - including a rocker, a pearly queen and a stripper - are also being launched to bring the campaign's attention to new audiences. The animations can be viewed at: www.thebigask.com

More than 200,000 people have joined The Big Ask in asking the Government for a strong climate change law. Friends of the Earth is calling for a law which covers all the UK's emissions and to commit the UK to cutting its emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050 - the level of reductions scientists say are needed.

Johnny Borrell said:

"The Big Ask has been very successful in making the Climate Change Law a reality. But it seems unbelievable that the Bill and the Government plans to ignore emissions from aviation and shipping. Those industries should absolutely be included in calculations. I want to help make sure people know what's happening while there's still time to influence the law. The more people who get on board and email their MP at www.thebigask.com the more chance we have of getting a sensible law."

Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Martyn Williams said:

"A Climate Change Law that ignores emissions from aviation and shipping just doesn't make sense - it's like going on a diet but ignoring the calories from chocolate. It's also unfair to treat the shipping and aviation industries differently from every other sector of the economy. It's vital MPs vote to strengthen the law when they get the chance later this year. A strong law is the best possible way to ensure action to tackle climate change flourishes in the UK."

Celebrity passengers on board virtual flight to Parliament have also urged the public to join them in calling for a strong law:

Thom Yorke said:

"The government has said it will introduce a climate change law which is fantastic news. Now we just need to make sure it is strong enough. One big problem is that the UK's share of international aviation emissions aren't covered at the moment. The government is also hiding behind old science figures that a 60 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 will be enough, even though the science community is saying at least 80 percent cuts will be needed. We need as many people as possible to get on board the campaign now so we get a stronger law."

KT Tunstall said:

"The time has come for politicians in power to show whether they give a damn about the potentially tragic effects of global climate change. To not include UK aviation and shipping carbon emissions in their calculations is a deliberate disaster and makes any Climate Change Bill a joke. The people want it. The world needs it. It's high time to remind your MP."

Sean Hughes said:

"Booking your seat on this flight to Parliament couldn't be easier or more important. We have just a few weeks left to get the Government to see sense and make sure the new climate change law covers all the UK's carbon dioxide emissions from the start."

Notes

[1] The Big Ask campaign, launched in 2005 by Friends of the Earth, has successfully persuaded the Government to introduce a Climate Change Bill. The Bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament before being made law later this year, will make the UK the first country in the world to commit to legally binding reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The Bill is groundbreaking but it still needs to be strengthened if the UK is going to play its part in tackling climate change.

Friends of the Earth is calling on Government and MPs to ensure the law covers all emissions, including the UK's share of emissions from international aviation and shipping and to introduce an overall target for cutting the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by 80 percent by 2050 - the level of emissions reductions which scientists say are needed.

For more information and to take actions go to www.thebigask.com.

[2] Briefing paper on international aviation and shipping emissions and the Climate Change Bill (PDF€ )

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust