Tom Brake Supports Friends of the Earth Campaign and Helps Gets Climate Change Bill into Queen's Speech

3.36.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 29th Nov 2006

The announcement of a climate change bill in the Queen's Speech was welcomed by Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington. Mr Brake supported 'The Big Ask' Campaign for annual targets to cut carbon dioxide pollution.

Mr Brake joined 412 MPs - almost two thirds of MPs overall, and a majority in every party sitting in Parliament - in signing a Parliamentary petition (Early Day Motion 178) in the last session calling for new legislation "so that annual cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of three per cent can be delivered." The Government has responded by promising a Climate Change Bill in its programme of legislation for 2007.

The singer Thom Yorke from the band Radiohead launched 'The Big Ask' campaign in May 2005. Since then, over 100,000 people from across the country have put 'The Big Ask' to their MP by postcard, email, or letter.

Mr Brake stated that "climate change is the greatest challenge the world faces. The UK has to take the lead by proving that when you cut emissions not only the environment but also business benefits."

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper said:

"We are delighted that a Climate Change Bill was announced in the Queen's Speech - this is something Friends of the Earth has been campaigning for through The Big Ask climate campaign. The Bill is a crucial first step in ensuring the UK plays its part in keeping temperatures below danger levels. The next step is to ensure the Bill delivers the cuts that are needed through the introduction of annual targets for reducing the UK's carbon dioxide emissions."