Government wrong to attempt to water down emissions trading scheme

5.29.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Oct 2005

The European Court will today hear the UK's legal challenge against the European Commission and their rejection of the UK's proposed amendment to reduce the total quantity of allowances in the UK's National Allocation Plan (NAP) for Phase 1 (2005-2007) of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker MP said:

"It is incredible that whilst DEFRA, is talking big on climate change, it's still attempting to take legal action against the European Commission in a ludicrous attempt to water down our emissions targets.

"The latest statistics show greenhouse gas emissions rising, meaning we may miss our targets under the Kyoto protocol. Yet again Labour's actions are failing to match their words on climate change.

"I call on them again to enter into a cross-party dialogue to reach political consensus on how we can achieve the real reductions needed."

Notes

DEFRA statement released today:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2005/climate-0524.htm

Emissions Statistics

• Emissions of CO2 up 3% under Labour since 1997 (to 2004)

• All gases (ie: Kyoto) up 1% in the last year 2003 to 2004