06 November 2007

STAFFORD’S MP PRAISES QUEEN’S SPEECH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney today listened to the Queen’s Speech opening the new Parliamentary Year with a keen interest in what was said about the environment. He says this year may be long remembered for Parliament’s commitment to tackling climate change:

“Labour’s Climate Change Bill is a truly ground-breaking piece of legislation. When it becomes law, it will make Britain the first country in the world to put into statute a legal framework for reducing carbon emissions.

“Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our generation – not just for Britain, but for the entire global community. I’m proud that Labour is leading the world on this issue. The Climate Change Bill sets an overall framework for tackling climate change. It will work in tandem with other Labour legislation – like the forthcoming Energy Bill – to move Britain towards a low carbon economy.

“It is also vital for Britain’s future to link this challenge with the new Housing and Regeneration Bill. This is about meeting the needs and aspirations of Britain’s hard-working families, and particularly first-time buyers and those in need of affordable rented housing. This Bill will benefit my own constituents in Stafford constituency, and those on many other parts of the country, where house prices are rising and many young people feel they are being left behind by the housing market.

“It will help us towards our target of 3 million new homes by 2020, while ensuring that the communities we build are mixed and sustainable. And, in keeping with our environmental priorities, the new housing will be greener, too!”