Conservatives reject CO2 reduction campaign

10.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Oct 2009

Essex County Council's ruling Conservative group has today refused to back a call for 10% cuts in carbon dioxide emissions during 2010. They voted down a Liberal Democrat proposal to join the (cross-party) 10:10 Campaign.

The 10:10 Campaign is backed by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parliamentary front benches and is also supported by many councils and significant organisations such as Microsoft, O2 and NHS Trusts.

Cllr. Tom Smith Hughes (Chelmsford North and Lib Dem Leader), commented: "I am extremely disappointed at the complacent attitude and decision of the Conservatives not to join the 10:10 Campaign. One of the aims of the campaign is to galvanise action by individuals, with 40% of the UK's CO2 emissions being a result of personal choice.

"The County Council, as a community leader, is in an excellent position to lead by example and encourage businesses and individuals to make the same commitment. Sadly, an important opportunity has been missed."

You can back the campaign here: http://www.1010uk.org/

Related Links:

More about the 10:10 campaign and show your support.

Tories wobble on 10:10 at local level - Guardian report.