Bali targets highlight hypocrisy of Heathrow expansion and travelling circus

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 31st Jan 2008

The European Parliament has adopted resolutions on the Bali climate change conference, which commits all developed countries to sharp reductions in greenhouse gases, and on the crucial contribution that more efficient use of energy can make to avoiding the catastrophic effects of severe global warming.

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"There is a huge amount of work ahead in translating the Bali agreement into actual cuts in emissions and getting countries like the US and China on board. The European Union can only hope to be successful in an effort of persuasion if it sets a good example."

"The hypocrisy whereby Gordon Brown has signed up to the target set by EU leaders of emissions 50% below 1990 levels by 2050 while simultaneously pushing for a near-doubling of the capacity of Heathrow airport does not qualify as a good example."

"EU governments must respond to the call by MEPs in the energy efficiency report to end the absurd monthly travelling circus between Brussels and Strasbourg in which they have trapped MEPs. This is costly both in money and in global warming; one permanent seat would save £150,000 a year but also 19,000 tonnes annually in carbon emissions."

Note

As well as a large majority of MEPs, well over one million European citizens have spoken out on www.oneseat.eu against this financial and environmental waste of 2 seats for the European Parliament.