Candidates asked views on green issues

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HFFoE debates with Smallman (Labour), Hands (Conservatives), Bullion (Liberal Democrats) and Harrold (Green)

General election candidates in Hammersmith and Fulham have been invited by the Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth to talk about their commitment to the environment.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th April at the Hammersmith Information Centre and The Friends of the Earth group will be asking Melanie Smallman (Labour), Greg Hands (Conservatives), Alan Bullion (Liberal Democrats) and Fiona Harrold (Green Party) whether they will commit to various pledges to protect the environment including:

· A 20% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 (on 1990 levels) and support legislation requiring year-on-year progress towards a cut of at least a 60% cut by 2050.

· The introduction of a Statutory Code of Practice and an independent Retail Regulator to enforce it, to ensure that supermarkets do not unfairly use their economic power to the detriment of the environment, small traders and small farmers in the UK and overseas.

· The prevention of contaminations of organic and conventional crops by setting zero tolerance thresholds for contamination and making GM companies liable for any economic or environmental damage caused by their crops.

· Policies in place to ensure that climate change targets are met, air quality standards are not breached and protected areas of wildlife or high value landscape not damaged.

Paula White, Hammersmith & Fulham Friends of the Earth Co-ordinator, said:

“Our environment is something which affects everyone of us and we need to protect it. To do that we need the support of decision makers like MPs and Government. Unfortunately there is still a lot to be done. Only a few weeks ago official figures showed that UK efforts to tackle climate change in 2002 are not working as emissions of carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas - jumped 2.2% between 2002 and 2003. Whichever political party wins this year’s general election, they must take measures to protect our environment and get a grip on climate change before it is too late."

Due to limited space the meeting is not open to members of the public.

For further information please contact:
Name: Paula White Tel: 020 8898 8121 E-mail info@hffoe.org.uk
Name: Sarah Etwell Tel: 020 7014 1144

April 10, 2005