Menu
15/04/2005
Liberal Democrats focus on environmental issues
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has pledged his party’s commitment to the environment by detailing his environmental election promies.
The Liberal Democrats pledges include: proposals to recycle 60% of all household waste by 2012; ensuring that 20% of all electricity will be generated by renewable sources by 2020; a ban on commercial GM crops, unless they are proven to be safe for people and the environment; a moratorium on new incinerators; and no new nuclear power stations.
Mr Kennedy said: “I, personally, am passionate about the environment. For me, politics is not just about helping people to improve their lives now: it is also about taking responsibility for future generations.”
“Time is not on our side. The reality of climate change is with us here and now. If Tony Blair had devoted even a tenth of the political energy, wealth and resources that have been expended over Iraq to convincing George Bush of the urgency of the environmental threat, imagine where we could be by now.”
Mr Kennedy claimed to have written to both Mr Blair and Conservative leader Michael Howard, requesting them to sign up to a statement of both principle and action on the environment, but he said he had received no reply.
Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Norman Baker described the Conservatives' policies as “a disaster for the environment” and said that Mr Blair was “all talk and no action”. He said: “Britain needs a party that will put the environment centre stage and face up to the difficult decisions that are necessary to deal with climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to a green thread throughout the government.”
Labour plans to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage more household recycling.
The Conservatives environment policy includes the prevention of “urban sprawl” on green belts; banning GM crops; providing “bigger and better” energy efficiency incentives; and introducing a marine conservation bill.
(KMcA/GB)
The Liberal Democrats pledges include: proposals to recycle 60% of all household waste by 2012; ensuring that 20% of all electricity will be generated by renewable sources by 2020; a ban on commercial GM crops, unless they are proven to be safe for people and the environment; a moratorium on new incinerators; and no new nuclear power stations.
Mr Kennedy said: “I, personally, am passionate about the environment. For me, politics is not just about helping people to improve their lives now: it is also about taking responsibility for future generations.”
“Time is not on our side. The reality of climate change is with us here and now. If Tony Blair had devoted even a tenth of the political energy, wealth and resources that have been expended over Iraq to convincing George Bush of the urgency of the environmental threat, imagine where we could be by now.”
Mr Kennedy claimed to have written to both Mr Blair and Conservative leader Michael Howard, requesting them to sign up to a statement of both principle and action on the environment, but he said he had received no reply.
Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Norman Baker described the Conservatives' policies as “a disaster for the environment” and said that Mr Blair was “all talk and no action”. He said: “Britain needs a party that will put the environment centre stage and face up to the difficult decisions that are necessary to deal with climate change. Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to a green thread throughout the government.”
Labour plans to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage more household recycling.
The Conservatives environment policy includes the prevention of “urban sprawl” on green belts; banning GM crops; providing “bigger and better” energy efficiency incentives; and introducing a marine conservation bill.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 March 2005
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
19 April 2005
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
26 April 2005
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
11 January 2012
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
31 March 2005
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
