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Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Chris Hewett
Sir: Tony Blair's speech on the environment was far more than "a sequence of well-intended platitudes" ("A conventional shade of green", 28 February).
Traditionally, the Left has been wary of green issues for fear of undermining economic goals. In Trust for Tomorrow, the party's policy document on the environment, moved Labour beyond those fears. Tony Blair has now added his approval.
In terms of specific policies, Mr Blair stressed the clear green water between Labour and the Conservatives. The target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2010 is an ambitious one. Labour's programme of energy efficiency improvements to houses will save far more CO2 than VAT on fuel, will reduce rather than exacerbate fuel poverty and, according to independent economists, will create 50,000 jobs. The commitment to shifting investment from road to rail is in stark contrast to the Tory record on transport.
The most important announcement, however, is of a parliamentary "Green Audit" committee. This will help to prevent green issues being seen as an optional add-on and will take environmental concerns to the heart of all government policy.
Yours,
Chris Hewett
Socialist Environment and
Resources Association
London, N4
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