Labour going backwards on Kyoto

3.40.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 2nd Apr 2005

Labour failure over carbon dioxide levels

New statistics, released this week reveal that carbon dioxide emissions in the UK have increased by 3% under Labour since 1997. Worse still with an increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the last year, it appears we have started to move backwards on Kyoto.

Commenting, on the figures, Steve Sollitt, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Southampton Test said:

"The increase in carbon emissions and greenhouse gases shows the failure of Labour's strategy for tackling climate change.

"The latest figures mean we have little hope now of reaching the 20% reduction target for 2010 and that we may actually miss our targets under the Kyoto protocol. The problem is that none of Labour's policies actually inspire any confidence that these trends will be reversed, as all the indicators on energy and transport are going in the wrong direction.

"Tony Blair must now come forward with policies to secure significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Liberal Democrats' real alternative on the environment would see action on tackling emissions from traffic, aviation and energy use."