Government faces criticism over emissions limit rise
The Government has been sharply criticised by the Liberal Democrats and environmental groups after it asked the European Commission for an increase in permitted carbon dioxide pollution levels for the UK.
Revised forecasts put UK emissions for 2005-07 at 56.1 million tonnes higher than forecasted in April.
With this in mind, the Government is to ask the European Commission to allow an amendment to the National Allocation Plan, to make way for a three per cent increase, taking the UK’s allowance for 2005-7 by 19.8 million to 756.1 million allowances.
The Department of Trade and Industry believes the move is necessary to allow British firms to maintain their economic competitiveness.
However, Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, said the announcement smacked of “the worst kind of hypocrisy”.
“Tony Blair claims to be leading on climate change internationally, while at home he is moving the goalposts to accommodate the smoke stack DTI.
“The Government cannot expect other countries to respect international agreements on climate change, when it alters the targets to suit itself.”
Mr Baker said the initiative was “terrible news” for the campaign to tackle climate change.
The decision comes after Mr Blair warned of the “irreversible and destructive” effects of global warming.
However, the Government insists that it needs to balance the needs of environment and business, and that the UK will still meet its obligations under the Kyoto commitment. It further argues that even with the increase the UK is on track to reach its goal of a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions on 1990 levels by 2010.
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett, said: “This decision is good news for tackling climate change. The EU emissions trading scheme is a vital part of our drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Europe.
“The scheme is crucial in encouraging industry to develop more energy efficient technology and adapt to a lower carbon future.
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, said: “The EU emissions trading scheme is central to our strategy to tackle climate change. By putting a value on carbon, it will create a strong incentive to industry and business to use less and cleaner energy, and will send a signal on the value of carbon in the economy.”
Friends of the Earth said Mr Blair and the Department of Trade and Industry were the “villains” behind the policy, not Margaret Beckett.
Bryony Worthington, energy campaigner for the environment pressure group, said the Government had reneged on a pledge to tackle Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions.
“Blair has obviously indicated that he wants to take a leading roll globally on tackling climate change, but he’s really let his eye come off the ball in terms of domestic emission in the UK.”
