MEPs back plans for low carbon economy

MEPs voted to endorse the European Commission's low carbon 'Roadmap' by a large majority.  The document provides a policy framework for the European Union to achieve an 80% to 95% reduction in its carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. 

Although strongly supported by British ministers, its formal endorsement by EU governments was last week blocked at the Environment Council by Poland.   With cross-party support it has been welcomed by the Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard. She believes it strengthens her authority to bring forward practical proposals.

Chris Davies, the Southport Liberal Democrat MEP responsible for the report, argues that the EU needs to adopt a clear strategy in order to promote industrial investment.  He said:- "This report provides the basis for technological innovation and industrial investment. The targets it proposes are not a threat to Europe but an opportunity to move forward. They can make us stronger not weaker.  Climate change is not currently top of the political agenda but a long term approach is needed to give confidence to investors. The more we do now the cheaper it will be in the future.  Europe cannot solve the world's problems by itself but changes are happening fast and more are inevitable. Either we take a lead in promoting a low carbon economy or we will get left behind as the Asian economies exploit the opportunities and take a technological lead."

In a controversial move the Parliament also recognised that the EU Emission's Trading System (ETS) is failing to promote low carbon investments. MEPs called on the Commission to come forward with plans to reduce the surplus of allowances that is depressing the carbon price and curbing the incentive for green investments.

Euro-MP wins massive victory

A North West MEP has won a key vote in the European Parliament that will help shape Britain's economic future.  Liberal Democrat Chris Davies secured cross party support for controversial plans to develop a low carbon economy.

By a margin of 3 to 1, MEPs backed the 'Davies report' intended to combat climate change and promote industrial investment.  It endorses plans by the European Commission to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% over the next four decades, with milestones to be reached along the way.

The Commission's 'Roadmap' has the support of the British Government and that of 25 other nations. Although formal acceptance has been blocked by Poland, the vote by MEPs means that the Commission can now introduce specific proposals that must each be judged on their merits.

Davies admitted that securing cross-party agreement had required tough negotiations and difficult compromises. He acknowledged that the wrong decisions could put future jobs at risk.  He said:- "But get it right and we will promote investment, technological innovation and new employment. It will be a cleaner, safer, more secure world.  Europe cannot solve the world's problems by itself but changes are happening fast and are inevitable. The more we do now the cheaper it will be in the future. Either we take a lead in promoting a low carbon economy or we will get left behind as the Asian economies exploit the opportunities and take a technological lead."

Chris Davies received warm congratulations for his work from Europe's Climate Action Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard.