Labour manifesto - Friends of the Earth reaction

Dave Timms, Head of Political Affairs at Friends of the Earth said:

“Labour has set out a massive and credible commitment to transform the UK's housing, and energy systems, in the next decade to virtually end their contribution to climate change - with the cash to deliver it.

“There are also important pledges to end the funding of fossil fuel projects abroad, tax oil companies and prevent environmental standard from being undermined by trade negotiations. However, some commitments on cutting transport emissions - an essential part of getting to net zero - are vague or absent.

“Investment in free bus travel and the railways are great, but there is no firm commitment to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and no end to HS2, the road building programme or airport expansion. These need addressing if Labour's policy pledges are going to meet its radical rhetoric on the urgency of the climate emergency.”

Friends of the Earth is calling on all political parties to commit to these policies in their 2019 General Election manifestos:

ENDS

For more information and interview requests contact the Friends of the Earth press office on 020 7566 1649 / 07718 394786 (out of hours – please do not text this number) [email protected].