Higher energy prices have led to emissions fall - Huhne

10.50.56pm GMT Wed 31st Jan 2007

Commenting on figures released by the Government today on greenhouse gas emissions, and ahead of the doubling of Air Passenger Duty which comes into force tomorrow, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"This small dip in carbon emissions is good news because it shows that people are responding to higher energy prices. However, the Government needs to take a lead in changing behaviour by using green taxes, as carbon emissions are still higher than in 1997.

"The success on the carbon target is largely due to the shift from coal to gas power stations, which this Government cannot claim credit for.

"The sharp rise in transport emissions - from both cars and planes - is continuing evidence of the Chancellor's cowardice in the face of the fuel duty protestors in 2000.

"We need greener and fairer taxes, but not higher taxes overall, if we are to shift our car purchases and our plane journeys to a sustainable footing.

"The doubling of Air Passenger Duty tomorrow merely reinstates the position that Gordon Brown inherited and does nothing to provide an incentive for more fuel efficient or fuller aircraft, as a tax based on emissions would do.

"Moreover, the failure to promise that extra revenue will be given back in cuts in other taxes may risk giving green taxes a bad name."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.