Menu
21/04/2006
Cameron proposes scrapping climate levy
David Cameron has said that if he were Prime Minister he would scrap the climate change levy and introduce a new carbon tax.
The Conservative leader announced the plans in a speech delivered in Oslo following a visit to the Arctic. He also advocated a new carbon pricing system designed to promote cleaner fuel use, transforming business and helping shield the planet from environmental damage.
Mr Cameron said that the proposed changes would be tax-neutral - hitting activities which produce more carbon emission with higher levies, while 'clean' production processes will pay less.
Mr Cameron said: "We must not be afraid of using the tax system and market mechanisms to encourage investment in, and take up of, clean new technologies which will transform the way we do business, create new markets, and reduce our impact on the planet.
"We must make sure that the various methods we use amount to a coherent whole, ensuring the carbon is priced effectively. It isn't the job of government to pick technologies. It is the job of government to set a rational framework within which producers and consumers recognise the environmental cost of carbon because it comes home to them as an actual money-cost."
Mr Cameron said: "Tackling climate change is a key part of my ambition for the Conservative Party to lead a new green revolution... I want to recapture climate change from the pessimists.
"I think of a cleaner, greener world for our children to enjoy and inherit. I think of the almost unlimited power of innovation, the new technologies, the new products and services, and the progress they can bring for our planet and all mankind. And I think of the exciting possibilities that may seem a distant dream today - changing the way we live to improve our quality of life. We've all got to get positive about climate change."
Mr Cameron's comments coincided with Chancellor Gordon Brown's visit to the US in an attempt to secure international support for climate change action.
Mr Brown will unveil proposals for an £11 billion fund for developing economies to invest alternative sources of energy and greater energy efficiency today.
(KMcA/GB)
The Conservative leader announced the plans in a speech delivered in Oslo following a visit to the Arctic. He also advocated a new carbon pricing system designed to promote cleaner fuel use, transforming business and helping shield the planet from environmental damage.
Mr Cameron said that the proposed changes would be tax-neutral - hitting activities which produce more carbon emission with higher levies, while 'clean' production processes will pay less.
Mr Cameron said: "We must not be afraid of using the tax system and market mechanisms to encourage investment in, and take up of, clean new technologies which will transform the way we do business, create new markets, and reduce our impact on the planet.
"We must make sure that the various methods we use amount to a coherent whole, ensuring the carbon is priced effectively. It isn't the job of government to pick technologies. It is the job of government to set a rational framework within which producers and consumers recognise the environmental cost of carbon because it comes home to them as an actual money-cost."
Mr Cameron said: "Tackling climate change is a key part of my ambition for the Conservative Party to lead a new green revolution... I want to recapture climate change from the pessimists.
"I think of a cleaner, greener world for our children to enjoy and inherit. I think of the almost unlimited power of innovation, the new technologies, the new products and services, and the progress they can bring for our planet and all mankind. And I think of the exciting possibilities that may seem a distant dream today - changing the way we live to improve our quality of life. We've all got to get positive about climate change."
Mr Cameron's comments coincided with Chancellor Gordon Brown's visit to the US in an attempt to secure international support for climate change action.
Mr Brown will unveil proposals for an £11 billion fund for developing economies to invest alternative sources of energy and greater energy efficiency today.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2010
Health At The Heart Of Climate Change Agenda
Several leading medical journals have come together to urge health professionals everywhere to put health at the heart of climate change negotiations.
Health At The Heart Of Climate Change Agenda
Several leading medical journals have come together to urge health professionals everywhere to put health at the heart of climate change negotiations.
14 June 2005
Government announces plans to tackle climate change
The government has announced a £40 million plan to tackle climate change, including plans to capture gases from power plants and store them in depleted North Sea oil and gas fields.
Government announces plans to tackle climate change
The government has announced a £40 million plan to tackle climate change, including plans to capture gases from power plants and store them in depleted North Sea oil and gas fields.
04 March 2013
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
MPs Call For New Nuclear Power Stations
Failure to build a new fleet of nuclear power stations in the UK could make it much more expensive to meet our climate change targets and Ministers must stop 'crossing their fingers' and urgently develop a back-up energy strategy, a report by the Energy and Climate Change Committee argues.
25 July 2005
Government encourages 'green holidaymaking'
The government is urging holidaymakers to consider 'carbon offsetting' as a way of reducing the environmental impact of their holiday travel. Carbon dioxide emissions from aeroplanes are an increasing factor to climate change.
Government encourages 'green holidaymaking'
The government is urging holidaymakers to consider 'carbon offsetting' as a way of reducing the environmental impact of their holiday travel. Carbon dioxide emissions from aeroplanes are an increasing factor to climate change.
09 March 2011
Carbon Action Plan Lays Down Whitehall Deadlines
A cross-Government action plan on climate change backed by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister has been launched setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
Carbon Action Plan Lays Down Whitehall Deadlines
A cross-Government action plan on climate change backed by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister has been launched setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
