Letters to the Editor

 

 

Tuesday, 11th October 2005

 

Parliament Must Lead the Way on Green Initiatives

 

SIR-

 

The Houses of Parliament are failing to play their part in efforts to tackle climate change and other environmental concerns

 

A recent report titled, ‘How Green Is Your Parliament?’ has shown key findings include: water consumption has risen by 58%, electricity consumption has risen by 45%, and gas consumption has risen by 34%, all since 1997.

 

It would take enough trees to fill Green Park twice every year in order to offset the 10,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide produced to power the House of Commons.

 

This report highlights the disturbing lack of action by the national parliament itself to clean up its act and lessen the environmental impact of its own activities. On a whole range of issues, from cutting energy use and water consumption to recycling waste and reducing food miles, our parliament is going the wrong way.

 

It is all very well for MPs to call on the general public to act and take measures to protect the environment, but how can they expect the ordinary public to listen if parliament does not do it themselves?

 

The time has come to back up the many words spoken with real and concerted action and MP’s should set an example for the rest of the country to follow.

ENDS

 

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting

 

Notes to editors

 

1. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
2. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm