PRO-WASTE TORIES REJECT ENERGY EFFICIENCY EFFORTS

12.00.00am GMT Fri 1st Feb 2008

Conservatives in the European Parliament have turned their backs on efforts to increase energy efficiency across Europe.

Local Tory Martin Callanan was among a Tory contingent in who voted on Thursday against a wide-ranging report on improving energy efficiency measures.

The report was adopted by an overwhelming majority in the European Parliament. The Tories along with climate-change denying UKIP, who also refused to back the plans, made up most of only 26 out of 648 votes against the report.

The report was drawn up by Fiona Hall and was adopted by the European Parliament with 592 votes in favour. Such a comprehensive poll sends a very strong signal that Parliamentarians would like to see the European Commission and national governments raise their game on energy efficiency.

Welcoming the result of the vote, Fiona Hall said:

"I am delighted that my report has been formally adopted by such a large majority.

"The UK Conservatives' refusal to support energy efficiency shows how the party's attempts to appear green are a complete sham.

"Energy efficiency is at the heart of the battle to control climate change, ensure security of supply and make British industry more competitive - as the recent CBI report confirmed.

"By refusing to back energy efficiency the Tory leopard has revealed its true spots - and they certainly aren't green."