Climate change praise for MP

AN Oldham MP has been singled out for helping push the Government’s climate change bill through parliament.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher was praised by Friends of the Earth for his part in campaigning for tougher measures to fight global warming.

The bill commits future governments to cut CO2 emissions by 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas, as the former Climate Change Minister, also played a large part in pushing the bill through.

The new law, which also covers the UK’s share of emissions from international aviation and shipping, requires the Government to set out its plans for meeting the target by spring next year.

Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: “We congratulate Michael Meacher and the people of Oldham for backing our Big Ask campaign and helping to make the world’s first climate change law a reality.

“It is a historic step in Britain’s efforts to tackle climate change which sets an example for the rest of the world to follow. Meeting the climate targets under the new law will set us on the path to a clean, green and prosperous future.”

Mr Meacher, who received a certificate acknowledging his efforts, said: “I am pleased to receive it but there are so many people who deserve recognition. This is the biggest issue facing the planet. The Government changed its position to what the campaign was asking for on several fronts. I have never known this happen before.”