Howarth praised for backing world's first climate change law (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Howarth praised for backing world's first climate change law

December 3, 2008 11:23 AM

Howarth and climate change certificate MP David Howarth and Cambridge residents have shown that people power can protect our planet by backing a world-first climate change law that sets legal targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions,

Mr Howarth was one of an overwhelming majority of MPs who supported the historic legislation to cut UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by the middle of the century. Ninety-nine per cent of MPs who voted backed the Bill.

As recognition of his work, Mr Howarth has been awarded a certificate by Friends of the Earth which believes the new law provides the opportunity to move Britain to a clean, prosperous future and create thousands of jobs in new green industries.

The new law, which will also include the UK's share of emissions from international aviation and shipping, requires the Government to set out their plans for meeting the target in spring 2009.

Friends of the Earth led the campaign for a strong climate change law through its Big Ask campaign, backed by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke.

The green campaign group said it would continue to press the Government to ensure that the majority of emissions reductions required by the law are made at home in the UK.

Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: "Friends of the Earth congratulates MP David Howarth and the people of Cambridge for backing our Big Ask campaign and helping to make the world's first climate change law a reality.

"This law is a historic step in Britain's efforts to tackle climate change which sets an example for the rest of the world to follow."