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22/05/2012
Government Should Protect Green Growth, MPs Warn
The government is not doing enough to safeguard the growing green economy, a report has warned.
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) warned on Monday that the current approach to the environment has no fixed deadlines and relies too much on voluntary action.
The report, by the committee MPs, stated that this was "unlikely" to bring much-needed investment to the sector, and said slashing environmental protections would be "irresponsible".
Joan Walley of the EAC said the green economy, which grows at 4% per year, should be "at the heart" of economic planning.
She said: "The Treasury seems to see environmental regulations as nothing more than costly red tape, but what we are talking about here are vital laws to give us clean air, safe food, and a thriving countryside. It would be irresponsible to get rid of sensible regulations in a desperate dash for growth. Rising global demand for commodities and fossil fuels means that prices will continue to rise, so it is incredibly short-sighted of the Treasury not to give businesses clear incentives to use resources in a smarter way."
MPs on the EAC wrote in their report: "There appears to be little priority in government attached to moving to a green economy."
Caroline Spelman, environment minister, has outlined plans to cut or change most green regulations, claiming it would save a billion pounds for businesses over five years.
(NE)
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) warned on Monday that the current approach to the environment has no fixed deadlines and relies too much on voluntary action.
The report, by the committee MPs, stated that this was "unlikely" to bring much-needed investment to the sector, and said slashing environmental protections would be "irresponsible".
Joan Walley of the EAC said the green economy, which grows at 4% per year, should be "at the heart" of economic planning.
She said: "The Treasury seems to see environmental regulations as nothing more than costly red tape, but what we are talking about here are vital laws to give us clean air, safe food, and a thriving countryside. It would be irresponsible to get rid of sensible regulations in a desperate dash for growth. Rising global demand for commodities and fossil fuels means that prices will continue to rise, so it is incredibly short-sighted of the Treasury not to give businesses clear incentives to use resources in a smarter way."
MPs on the EAC wrote in their report: "There appears to be little priority in government attached to moving to a green economy."
Caroline Spelman, environment minister, has outlined plans to cut or change most green regulations, claiming it would save a billion pounds for businesses over five years.
(NE)
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23 October 2013
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A review of green energy taxes has been announced by the Prime Minister saying that they have helped push household bills to an "unacceptable" level. David Cameron announced to MPs that environmental regulations and charges needed to be rolled back, alongside the establishment of a new competition test for suppliers.
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13 November 2014
New Scotland Yard Sold
The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police has been sold, London's deputy mayor for police and crime has confirmed. The proceeds from the sale of New Scotland Yard (NSY) are to be reinvested in frontline policing, Stephen Greenhalgh has said. NSY has been the headquarters of the Met since 1967 but has been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.
New Scotland Yard Sold
The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police has been sold, London's deputy mayor for police and crime has confirmed. The proceeds from the sale of New Scotland Yard (NSY) are to be reinvested in frontline policing, Stephen Greenhalgh has said. NSY has been the headquarters of the Met since 1967 but has been sold as part of cost-cutting measures.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
