COPENHAGEN TALKS

Greg Clark MP, Who is the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has issued a statement in response to the Copenhagen talks:

"Although some progress has been made, it is clear that the Copenhagen accord has fallen short of what we hoped it could achieve. The accord is not legally binding, is vague about where the funding for adaptation will come from, and is unclear about when emissions should be cut and by how much.

Copenhagen must now be seen as the beginning, not the end, of further progess. Talks must continue during the months ahead until a real deal is agreed. It is particularly important to agree how the concrete actions to confront the here-and-now of climate change - like helping poor countries adapt to the changing climate and halting the destruction of the rainforests - will be funded.

I made it clear in Copenhagen that, if negotiations continue beyond the General Election and Conservatives were in Government, there would be no let up in our determination to secure a rigorous global deal. We would also be a beacon to other countries by kickstarting practical action at home to cut energy consumption and become a low carbon economy."

If elected, then I will support any negotiations that lead to a real deal!

OSBORNE ENVIRONMENT SPEECH

I was glad to see the speech from George Osborne concerning environmental issues.
He made clear the need for urgent action on the environment, and other shadow cabinet members will be talking on this issue later this week.
I know that the people of Brighton Kemptown are concerned that real action not words is taken to fight against climate change, and Brighton & Hove Conservative run Council is taking action now!
A Conservative Treasury will play a central role in the fight against climate change, unleashing green finance and helping to generate the green jobs, businesses and growth that Britain needs.

There will be a requirement for government departments to cut their energy bills by 10 per cent within 12 months of the election. We will also boost green finance with a new Green Investment Bank and Green ISA’s, and make it pay to go green by helping local councils to pay the public to recycle. In Windsor, this innovative approach to recycling has increased recycling rates by 30 per cent.