Budget 2020 – Friends of the Earth reaction

Reacting to the Chancellor’s Budget, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, Mike Childs, said:

“This Budget contains a massive road-building programme which completely destroys any pretence of UK government leadership ahead of this years’ crucial climate summit. 

“Funding for cleaner cars, EV charging, action on plastics and more trees are just a few green sprinklings on a truly awful budget.

“By freezing fuel duty yet again, and promising 4000 miles of roads, the Chancellor has shown that his priorities are not the environment.

“This Budget will wreck the countryside with new roads, leave Britain choking on filthy air, and further fuel the climate crisis. 

“When it comes to fixing our broken planet, this Chancellor certainly isn’t getting it done.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Friends of the Earth wanted the Chancellor to introduce a range of green policies including the reinstatement the fuel duty escalator, funnelling billions of pounds into cycling, buses, trams and trains, and introducing a nationwide in energy efficiency programme. 
2. Research shows that new roads increase traffic and don’t address congestion.