Blair 'failing' over environment
November 14, 2005
Environmental charity WWF UK has severely criticised the government for what it says is a lack of action on climate change and the environment.
It says the UK has wasted opportunities presented by its presidency of the EU and the G8 group of wealthy nations.
And despite differences in rhetoric, there is little to choose between Tony Blair and US President George W Bush.
But a Downing Street spokesman said the government had achieved wide consensus in the G8 on tackling greenhouse gases.
Last year environmental charities applauded the prime minister when he said he would make climate change a priority.
But WWF UK now says he was trying to please environmentally concerned votes more than demonstrating the will to use leadership in tough negotiations.
Binding targets
Last week Mr Blair said the "blunt truth about the politics of climate change" was that no country would want to sacrifice its economy to meet the challenge, although they all knew they must develop on a "sustainable basis".
And WWF UK says he has undermined the most central plank of climate-change policy by suggesting binding targets to cut pollution are incompatible with economic success.
It is also highly critical of the government's handling of European legislation to restrict the use of certain chemicals.
But the Downing Street spokesman said the legislation remained part of the UK's work agenda.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the government had not abandoned its targets to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010.
"Demanding and tough targets" were "absolutely necessary", he told the programme. "We need to take action now."
At his annual speech on foreign policy at the Lord Mayor's banquet on Monday, Mr Blair will outline his expectations for World Trade Organisation talks due to start in Hong Kong on 13 December - the end of his year-long presidency of the G8.
The prime minister will warn: "In a modern world there is no security or prosperity at home unless we deal with the global challenges of conflict, terrorism, trade, climate change and poverty.
"Self-interest and mutual interest are inextricably linked. National interests can best be advanced through collective action."
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