The Environment Council Hosts Cross-Party Reception on Climate Change Bill
At an evening reception on Tuesday the 24th of April, a diverse audience filled the Atlee Suite to hear MPs from the three main political parties speak on the Draft Climate Change Bill. This landmark new piece of proposed legislation reinforces Britain’s position as an international leader on the issue, as it is the first country to propose a Bill that puts in place statutory national targets and sets long-term goals for the reduction of CO2.
The Environment Council's Chief Executive Mike King chaired the event, which was hosted by TEC and supported by the All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group (APPCCG). Labour MP and Chair of the APPCCG Colin Challen, who has been key in driving the progress of the Draft Climate Change Bill, sponsored the event. In addition, Conservative Shadow Environment Minister, Greg Barker MP, and Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesman, Chris Huhne MP gave their views on the issue.
The Environment Council is in a unique position to convene a cross-party debate on the issue, as we are a charity committed to shared, consensus based decision making as fundamental to the sustainability of initiatives like the Climate Change Bill. There is already a great deal of acceptance of the science of climate change in the Westminster Village, as well as agreement that a coordinated, holistic approach will be necessary to effectively address the issue. However, whilst all welcomed the Bill as (in Greg Barker’s words) ‘one of the most important political developments of our time’, party views differed and a lively debate ensued on the following points:
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The target figure for a 60% reduction of CO2 by 2050; following Colin Challen’s lead, it was broadly agreed that a target of at least 80% would be necessary to prevent a high probability of catastrophic climate change and to demonstrate leadership internationally. |
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The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats felt strongly that the proposed 5-year carbon budgeting periods wouldn’t ensure accountability for governments only serving a four-year term. Both opposition parties called for annual targets and an annual review system to put in place mechanisms to ensure government transparency and accountability. Labour responded that the proposed 5-year system would fit well with existing global agreements and international reporting systems. |
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An anomaly in the Draft Bill identified by Mr Huhne and echoed in attendee conversations later in the reception is that it only addresses CO2 and not other carbon emissions such as those identified in existing agreements including the Kyoto Protocol. |
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In response to an audience question, all MPs agreed that the issue that they would prefer not to address with the public, in terms of behaviour change, is flying. All said that announcing aviation charges or restrictions to constituents was challenging, but had to be addressed. |
As well as the rare opportunity to hear cross-party views on the Draft Climate Change Bill, the audience also heard from Conservative MP Nick Hurd, who is main sponsor of the Sustainable Communities Bill. It was interesting to demonstrate the link between these two key pieces of legislation and Mr Hurd described how his private members’ Bill proposed to empower local democracy and hand more control of key sustainability decisions to local and regional bodies. He will be addressing an event hosted by TEC on Tuesday 22nd of May, further discussing the implications of the Sustainable Communities Bill and the way in which engagement will further its implementation.
After the formal presentations and discussion, the assembled crowd were invited to continue the discussion over drinks and food during an excellent networking opportunity. This continued well into the evening with attendees decamping to the nearby Red Lion post-event to conclude very productive conversations and strengthen communications and partnerships on this important issue.
Materials
| > | Document on The Environment Council and The Climate Change Bill (44KB) |
| > | Attendee list for the event (63KB) |
| > | The Environment Council - Draft Climate Change Bill related activities (34KB) |
| > | More information and the Draft Climate Change Bill its self can be found here |
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