BROWN COULD FACE BACKBENCH REBELLION OVER CLIMATE BILL

16 June 2008
Topics: Climate, Politics

A survey carried out by Friends of the Earth Scotland has revealed that
two-thirds of Scottish Labour backbenchers support making the Climate
Change Bill much tougher - meaning Gordon Brown could be facing yet
another rebellion [1].

These MPs have signed an Early Day Motion tabled by Nigel Griffiths MP,
which calls for a target of an 80% reducion in greenhouse gases by 2050,
rather than the current 60%. It also calls for international flights and
shipping to be included in the Bill, as they are currently excluded.

Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:

"For the Bill to be effective, it must cover all sources of climate change
pollution, including from the fastest-growing source: air travel. To pass
a Climate Change Law without including international aviation and shipping
is like going on a diet but continuing to eat as much chocolate as you
like: it would make our overall efforts practically meaningless."

"Thankfully, most Scottish MPs recognise that leaving international
aviation out of the Bill undermines all its good aspects. We understand
they will be backing amendments which ensure that it is included. The
Government would do well to listen to their Scottish Members over this,
many of whom have studied this issue in some detail. If they fail to
listen, they may have yet another rebellion on their hands."

NOTES

[1] MPs views can be seen at:
http://scripts.foe-scotland.org.uk/cyberactions/cyberaction_mps2008.php

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