CLIMATE CHANGE BILL IS A STEP FORWARD BUT REMAINS FLAWED - HUHNE

2.38.50pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 13th Mar 2007

Commenting on the draft Climate Change Bill published today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary and Eastleigh MP, Chris Huhne said:

"The Climate Change Bill is a step forward because we need a framework to sustain a decades-long march towards a non-fossil fuel economy, but it is too weak in failing to set annual targets.

'Only the Liberal Democrats have suggested fairer, greener but not higher taxes'

"Since governments generally go to the electorate after four years, we need clear benchmarks each year to assess progress on the greatest policy challenge of our time. This bill just sets NIMTO targets - Not in My Term of Office targets.

"Moreover targets must not become a substitute for serious proposals to cut carbon emissions. If targets alone resolved problems, this would be the best-governed country in the world. Sadly the Government has been cutting the green taxes necessary to help shape our behaviour, while the Tories have failed to put forward a single firm proposal. Only the Liberal Democrats have suggested fairer, greener but not higher taxes.

"There are substantial points of detail in the draft bill that will need amendment. The carbon budget periods of five years may be too short and inflexible to take account of the business cycle. Annual targets which could explicitly allow for economic conditions and the weather would be more sensible.

"The overall target cut of 60 per cent of carbon dioxide by 2050 fails to take account of other greenhouse gases, and it is also at the unambitious end of what the science now suggests is necessary.

"Members of the committee on climate change must be independent, authoritative and vetted by parliament rather than merely appointed by the Secretary of State.

"Within government, a climate change cabinet committee chaired by the Prime Minister would ensure that a strong cross-departmental focus is put on meeting the targets."