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Proceeding contribution from David Heath (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 21 October 2009. It occurred during Opposition day on Climate Change (Political Response).


Climate Change (Political Response)

I have only one minute left. What we have done in this House is considerable, and the Government should take credit for the good things that they have achieved, such as the Climate Change Act. They arrived at it by dint of pressure from all parts of the House, but it is of value. They rejected feed-in tariffs for a long time but eventually accepted them—although I agree that the design of them is deplorable. They are groping towards an energy policy, but there is no coherence to it. I look at all those things and think that we have an opportunity to arrive at consensus. We are lucky compared with America, where there are divergent views. We generally have a consensus in this country, not just between the political parties but with big business. We have a huge opportunity, and we can do so much more if we shut off the poverty of aspiration that still bedevils us and grasp the fact that doing the right thing is not only right environmentally but right economically. The hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Alan Simpson) made that point. So many of the measures that we can take make economic sense, particularly in a recession when we are trying to save money. We can save the environment while saving money and creating jobs, and that should be the aspiration of this House.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
497 c1017 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Conservation Climate change Environment protection Energy Government departments Planning permission Public bodies Public expenditure Standards Renewable energy Carbon emissions
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk