Britain way off Kyoto carbon targets

4.58.44pm GMT Thu 25th Mar 2004

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne commenting on reports that the latest Government figures on climate change will show an increase in carbon emissions has accused the Government of being all talk on the environment.

"Despite its promises the Government is going backwards on climate change. We are now way off course to meet our Kyoto targets.

"The principle cause for the rise in carbon emissions is the fact that Labour's transport policy is out of control. They have failed to move people out of their cars mainly because confidence in public transport has never been lower. Road traffic in the West Midlands has increased by over 7% since Labour came to power. The Government must focus their attentions on providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport if it hopes to tackle this problem.

"The Kyoto agreement must also be expanded to cover aviation pollution. The Governments plans for airport expansion both in the West Midlands and around the country will only add to the problem.

"Blair's chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, has warned that climate change is a bigger threat than terrorism. The Prime Minister would do better to listen to Sir David before he listens to George Bush, leader of the world's biggest polluters."

ENDS