UK emissions trading: Government cannot backtrack any further - Baker

Commenting on today's publication of the UK National Allocation Plan, in which the Government sets allowances for industry on emissions trading, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"This announcement is a backtrack on the Government's draft plan, signalling that DEFRA is giving into the demands of the DTI.

"As more and more reports confirm that global warming is an increasing threat, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme must play a role in reducing harmful emissions from Britain.

"But it is no substitute for hard decisions by the Government, which should aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from road transport.

"Emissions trading is a useful tool but the Government must not allow it to be the only weapon against climate change."