Government attempt to water down emissions agreements

3.00.00am GMT Tue 28th Feb 2006

David Howarth has criticised the Government for attempting to water down the UK's crucial emissions targets.

The Government asked permission of the European Commission to increase the amount of carbon dioxide industry in the UK is allowed to emit between 2005 and 2005 by 20 million tonnes. The request was denied last week on the grounds of late submission.

David commented:

"It is scandalous for the Government to try to weasel out of their emissions targets. By asking to increase our CO2 emissions by 20 million tonnes, the Prime Minister is showing that he does not take the threat of climate change seriously.

"The emissions targets are the EU's strongest weapon at present to combat climate change and the Government should not be attempting to evade their responsibilities."