"UK must do more to push Bush on Climate Change". (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

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

"UK must do more to push Bush on Climate Change".

May 17, 2007 4:21 PM

David Miliband today refused to assure Parliament that the Government would back European demands, against the wishes of the United States, for binding targets to combat climate change. His comments came during questioning from Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson and Cheltenham MP, Martin Horwood.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has made clear that the US is blocking attempts to maintain a limit of a two degree rise in world temperatures.

Commenting Martin said:

"The US refusal to accept the necessity of a two degree limit to climate change is disgraceful.

"The US remains the biggest single emitter of greenhouse gases. It is absolutely crucial that it signs up to the global agreement that will succeed the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012.

"David Miliband's failure to provide an answer of any substance to my question demonstrates the reluctance of the government to use the 'special relationship' to further our priorities where it really matters."