LABOUR DRAGS FEET ON ENERGY CURBING (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

LABOUR DRAGS FEET ON ENERGY CURBING

September 5, 2005 12:00 AM

The Government is failing to act decisively on energy efficiency measures, says Lib Dem spokesperson on Energy in the European Parliament, North East MEP Fiona Hall.

Ms Hall has welcomed the news that Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will today bring forward EU energy efficiency measures in reaction to the world increase in oil prices.

The Latvian commissioner will also propose that the UK, the current EU presidency holder, should organise an urgent international conference on energy efficiency that will bring high energy users such as China and the US to the table.

Fiona Hall MEP said:

"Carbon dioxide levels have actually risen so fast recently that the UK is no longer on target to meet its Kyoto commitment. Carbon dioxide emissions have risen by 2.5% in the first 6 months of this year when they should be reducing by 1% every year. The Government said that tackling climate change was a priority of the UK presidency - but so far it has done virtually nothing.

"Instead of taking the lead, the Government is dragging its feet. For example, it is failing to insist on rigorous implementation of energy saving measures in the Buildings Directive.

"Last week the Scottish Executive said it would be using loop holes in the Buildings Directive and taking care not to implement energy saving measures above the bare minimum. This is an extraordinary attitude to adopt at a time when we are witnessing every day the global effects of climate change, and when fuel poverty caused by poor energy efficiency is still a problem for many households.

"I hope that the UK will respond to the Commissioner's call for an urgent international conference.

"Even more importantly, we need to see commitment and concrete action here at home. In particular, we must have binding targets for energy saving. That is what I am fighting for through the European Parliament, with cross-party, multinational support."