New Forest Conservatives have been accused of scoring a significant “Own goal” in their efforts to tackle climate change.
At the meeting of the New Forest District Council this week, the main item of business was to discuss a motion put forward by Conservative Councillor Derek Tipp. It called upon the council to write to government, urging it not to make binding commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions further or faster than other major industrial nations without world-wide binding commitments in place.
Several Conservatives spoke in favour of the motion, arguing that central government, which has pledged to be “the greenest ever” should not be showing leadership and the current policy was leading to increases in energy bills.
The motion was carried with all Liberal Democrat Opposition Councillors voting against the motion.
Liberal Democrat Leader, Chris Harrison says “The Conservative attempts to portray themselves as green have been severely undermined by this development. Whilst it is ridiculous to believe that central government will take much notice of the District Council, it sends entirely the wrong message.
Climate change is a severe threat to the New Forest area. There are many benefits to be had by the UK showing leadership on this issue. We are hardly in a position to dictate to other industrial nations if our own house isn't in order”.
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