Archived press release

Reaction to Conservative manifesto

13 April 2010

Commenting on the Conservative's 2010 Party Manifesto, launched today (Tuesday 13 April 2010), Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"The Conservative party may have a vision for a greener future, but its manifesto lacks the clarity and ambition urgently needed to ensure the UK meets the enormous challenge of tackling climate change.

"Promises to introduce a Green Investment Bank and scrap Labour's airport expansion plans are extremely welcome, but there are serious gaps in many proposals - Conservative plans to slash energy waste from homes must benefit those in rented accommodation and the fuel poor, and not just homeowners.

"The Conservatives' failure to increase the target for UK emissions cuts to at least 42 per cent by 2020 is extremely disappointing - this should have been a cornerstone of the party's environmental policy and would have signalled a real intention for Britain to play its fair share in combatting global warming.

"Bolder policies are needed to ensure UK voters and businesses reap the enormous economic benefits of developing a safer, cleaner future for us all."

Notes to editors:

1. Further comment on specific proposals in Labour's manifesto is available from Friends of the Earth. A comparison of the main party manifestoes will be available later this week.

Friends of the Earth submitted manifesto proposals to all three parties, our key demands were

* Sufficient investment in switching to a low carbon economy to: achieve a reduction in UK greenhouse gas emission of 42 per cent by 2020; create jobs and boost the recovery; and eliminate fuel poverty.

* A local carbon budget for every local authority: that caps CO2 in the local area in line with the scientific demands for emissions cuts and local circumstances; and enough money and technical support to enable councils to do their bit to tackle climate change.

* A new law which will tackle the major greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation caused by the UK's dependence on imported feeds for livestock - and which will support better UK farming and domestic feed production.

* An international agreement on cutting emissions where those responsible make the deepest cuts first, and developing countries are supported to grow in a low carbon way.

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