Mike Penning MP highlights the need for a climate change law to be included in the Queen's speech at the opening of Parliament in November.

Mike Penning MP highlights the need for a climate change law to be included in the Queen's speech at the opening of Parliament in November. Mike Penning is one of 397 MPs who are backing The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign which is calling for the introduction of a law that would commit the Government to cutting the UK's carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent year on year.

Friends of the Earth believes a climate change law would ensure the UK plays its part in keeping global temperatures below danger levels, and that it does this in a manageable way. The cuts in carbon dioxide emissions which are needed can be achieved through a range of measures such as encouraging energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy supplies.

The Queen's Speech will be read out by the Queen when the new session of Parliament begins, but its content is decided by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It sets out the Bills the Government will bring to Parliament in the following year. A Climate Change Bill needs to be included in the speech, to signify that the Government will make available time for Parliament to debate and pass such a Bill into law.

Friends of the Earth is also a member of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition which launches the ‘I Count’ campaign this week. ‘I Count’ is designed to inspire personal and political action and counter the view that climate change is too big a problem to fix. More information at: www.icount.org.uk [1].

Mike Penning MP said:
“I am delighted to add my support to The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth’s campaign for a climate change law and hope that we shall see a Climate Change Bill introduced in the next session of Parliament. A law which commits the UK to steadily reducing its carbon emissions will ensure we make the cuts needed in a manageable way.”

Friends of the Earth Director, Tony Juniper said:
“Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face however we do have the means to tackle it. A climate law will give Government and business the framework they need to put the solutions to climate change into practice. With the support of Mike and the 396 other MPs who are backing The Big Ask campaign we are a step closer to getting this law introduced."