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Labour manifesto: will green promises be met with action?
13 April 2005
Labour's manifesto commitment to show leadership on the environment has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaign group particularly welcomed the party's recommitment to the UK's carbon dioxide reduction targets for 2010 and 2050, but warned that urgent Government action is needed to deliver sustained year on year reductions in climate changing emissions if Labour is re-elected.
The Labour party has acknowledged that climate is one of the most pressing challenges the world faces. But since coming Labour came to power in 1997, UK emissions of the main greenhouse gas carbon dioxide have risen to such a level that the Britain's target under the Kyoto protocol - the international treaty to combat climate change - is now be in jeopardy. Tony Blair has succeeded in raising the international profile of the need to combat climate change - but more must be done to improve his woeful domestic record on the issue.
Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said:
"The fact that Labour has integrated action on the environment into many areas of its manifesto including the chapter on the economy is extremely encouraging. Its commitment to delivering international action on climate change and real reductions in UK emissions is also welcome. But Labour's domestic record on tackling climate change has been poor, and UK climate targets seem unlikely to be met. Labour must face up to the challenge and show that it is prepared to take the bold decisions needed to tackle the problem if re-elected. The environmental community will be looking for a strong revised Climate Change Programme soon after the election."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
