Government targets on Climate Change a good first step

5.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Nov 2006

Commenting on the announcement that the Government is considering introducing a Climate Change Bill in the Queen's Speech, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP, Lorely Burt said "I have already pledged my support to the campaign, backed by environmental groups in the West Midlands."

Mrs. Burt continued "Targets are a good first step, but if targets could solve problems this would be the best governed country in the world. Where Labour and the Tories have fallen down is in failing to propose practical measures to change our behaviour, such as green taxes, better energy efficiency schemes for homes and tougher vehicle emission standards.

Mrs. Burt concluded by saying "The climate change bill must include annual targets for cutting carbon emissions so that the Government's efforts can be assessed, while an independent scientific body should report each year on progress. Climate change matters because if we don't tackle it quickly it will cost far, far more later on. Already storm damage, rising sea levels, drought and flooding are taking their toll. Every individual can do their bit, but Government must take the lead if are to avoid climate chaos for future generations."