MPs call for action on climate change

Wednesday, 11 August 2004 12:00 AM

Government polices are failing to make a significant impact on carbon emissions and more radical alternatives should be considered, according to a committee of MPs.

A new report from the Environmental Audit Committee argues that the "Government's Climate Change Strategy is seriously off course; and current policies have yet to make a significant impact on UK carbon emissions."

It suggests that more radical alternatives - such as drastically increasing the cost of fuel - are required. It adds that petrol is at least ten per cent cheaper than four years ago in real terms and accuses politicians of failing to "make the case for the environmental benefits of taxing fuel."

The MPs suggest that the Government should consider recycling the proceeds of fuel tax increases to subsidise public transport.

On renewables, they warn "the Treasury cannot expect industry to provide investment in alternative fuels unless it has a long term strategy itself."

Committee chairman Peter Ainsworth, said: "It is increasingly obvious that we are going to fall far short of the UK carbon reduction target, and a key problem area is transport.

"If the Government's commitment to sustainable development is to be taken seriously, it must take more radical action."

The Scottish National Party (SNP) immediately condemned the suggestion of higher fuel prices. Westminster leader, and overall leadership hopeful, Alex Salmond said: "The car is an essential part of day to day life for many people. It would not make sense to penalise people for using their cars any further."

Shadow Environment Secretary, Tim Yeo, said that the report showed the Government needs to do more- particularly on renewables. Mr Yeo called on the Government to "do much more to promote energy efficiency, particularly in the home, and adopt a more realistic and coherent approach to renewables."

The most stringent criticism of the Government's record came from environmental groups. Mike Childs, Friends of the Earth's campaigns director, said: "Tony Blair talks the talk but fails to walk the walk when it comes to this crucial issue. It is time he swapped fine words for action and put carbon reduction at the heart of all Government policy. And the Chancellor must be persuaded to use economic carrots and sticks to significantly cut our emissions of greenhouse gas".

There were cautioning words from business though. Michael Roberts of the CBI, said: "The call for higher taxes on fuel fails to recognise that the UK has the highest level of duty on diesel in the EU. This has a real impact on business when moving freight by road.

"We also recognise that taxes can play an important role in delivering Government environmental objectives. But calls for their increased use need to take account of their impact on businesses which are also affected by other Government policies."

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