Martin asks local groups for help on climate chaos (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Martin asks local groups for help on climate chaos

April 27, 2007 10:28 PM

Lib Dem shadow environment minister Martin Horwood has called on local green campaigners to tell government how they should tackle climate chaos. The Cheltenham MP will be taking to the front benches later this year - or whenever the government finally get around to presenting their much-touted Climate Change Bill to Parliament.

Government ministers downgraded the bill to a 'draft bill' inviting yet more consultation on the targets and committees proposed in the bill before it gets anywhere near the law. 'I think we should call their bluff', said Martin. 'There are many parts of the bill that are pretty weak - the targets aren't the urgent yearly ones we want, for instance, they will be judged every five years. So we won't know whether the government has met them until after the next General Election! But if they say they want more consultation, let's give it to them: I'd like local green groups to tell them just how urgent things really are and how much more action is needed'.

Martin delivered the message at Cheltenham Centre for Change, a leading centre for local green groups. Contact them to find out what you can do by visiting www.cheltenhamcentreforchange.org.uk or ringing 01242 570111.