Lib Dems: Suffolk County Council falls short of 10:10

2.00.00pm GMT Sat 12th Dec 2009

The Liberal Democrats have had their original motion for 10:10 watered down by the Conservative administration. The administration insisted on taking two years to reduce their carbon emissions by just 12%, instead of the 10% in one year, agreed to by many other Conservative authorities, including the Mayor of London who signed for City Hall.

The 10:10 campaign was set up to try and get organisations, businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% in the year 2010. It also promotes the importance of the Copenhagen Climate Change conference.

At today's council meeting, both Cllr John Field, and Cllr Caroline Page highlighted important reasons to support this campaign.

Cllr John Field, Liberal Democrat Environment and Waste Spokesperson said, "With the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in progress, it is important to send a message to the world to show that climate change must be avoided.

During the meeting we heard that the Conservatives weren't all convinced that climate change was actually happening, which probably goes some way to explain why it seems they aren't reaching their target for 2009, and why they will aim for only 12% over two years."

"Cllr Caroline Page, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Roads and Transport, and an ardent cyclist, said "We need to lead by example. The Greenest County needs to go further in helping individuals and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. It's surprising that whilst over 100 different councils and nearly 50,000 people have signed up to this campaign Suffolk County Council will be going in its own, slower, direction.

The Conservatives insistence on an endorsement of nuclear power as part of the motion was unnecessary and will not be supported by many members of the public who have reservations."