23 June 2005 - Prime Minister Tony Blair has completely lost any credibility on climate change by devoting just half a sentence to the issue during a speech to the European Parliament in Brussels today, MEPs have warned.

Mr Blair was addressing the parliament to set out his priorities for the six-month UK presidency of the EU, which begins next week. He argued that Europe must change and become more competitive without watering down social policies – but he failed to even mention sustainable development or address the UK’s own rising CO2 emissions.

Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas, speaking in the debate following Mr Blair’s speech, challenged him to adopt mandatory targets on improving energy efficiency and renewable energy generation and to rule out commissioning new nuclear power stations in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr Lucas, who represents South-East England and is a member of the European Parliament’s influential Environment Committee, told Mr Blair:

“In the past, you’ve said that climate change is the greatest threat we face and that it will be a priority for the British [presidency – yet we’ve heard just half a sentence on climate change in your speech today.

“Yet yours is a Government under which greenhouse gas emissions have actually risen, and yours is a Government which has attempted to increase the volume of emissions allowable to British industry under the EU’s emissions trading system.

“That’s hardly a very good start for someone who’s pledging to show “international leadership” on climate change.”

She added: “By coming to the European parliament and trying to lecture the rest of Europe about the merits of modernisation, competition and flexibility, yet leave out any reference to sustainability, Mr Blair has completely undermined any claims he has made in the past to be committed to sustainable development.”

“Yes, Europe must change: but unless that change puts sustainability at its heart then the UK presidency will lose a vital opportunity to help the EU regain public support and squander a key moment to seriously address climate change."

ENDS