SCRUTINY OF CLIMATE CHANGE BILL COMMENCES

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney is one of the 12 MPs and 12 peers who yesterday formed the Joint Committee of both House of Parliament to scrutinize the draft Climate Change Bill. The Committee will carry out its work from May to July, taking evidence from witnesses, inviting comments by way of on-line consultation and engaging young people in particular. Lord David Putnam has been elected to chair the Committee.

David Kidney says that that Committee has a very important job to do:

“This Bill is the first of its kind in the world and as such, it is generating a lot of international interest as well as interest within the UK. It aims to:

 Set a long term target in law to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2050, with an intermediate target for 2020;
 Establish a Committee on Climate Change to give independent advice to Government and annual reports to Parliament;
 Create enabling powers to allow Government to set up schemes to cut carbon emissions; and
 Through carbon budgeting, regular reports and debates, increase transparency and accountability.

“This is like an “eco constitution” for turning our country into a low-carbon economy, within which we live sustainably while still enjoying a successful economy and high standards of living. I’m thrilled to be in on the ground floor of putting in place a law of such vital significance for the future.

“The Joint Scrutiny Committee is in addition to the Government’s own public consultation about the draft Bill. If there are constituents who would like me to put forward their views, I invite them to contact me as soon as possible. I am already arranging meetings with interested groups in Stafford constituency to discuss the Bill”.