Labour

Government must not block this week’s EU attempt to label fuel from tar sands as highly polluting - Maria Eagle

Maria Eagle MP, Labour's Shadow Transport Secretary, has written to Transport Minister Norman Baker MP on the eve of the European Commission’s planned 23 February vote on whether to label fuel produced from tar sands as more polluting than that from other forms of oil.

Maria Eagle, in her letter to the Government, wrote:

“I am writing to urge the Government to vote in favour of labelling oil from tar sands as highly polluting immediately and in line with the European Commission’s proposals. I understand that this matter will be considered by the Commission on 23 February. This is a matter of considerable importance and you will know of the concerns that exist that the Government may not be intending to agree to the European Commission’s proposals. I therefore request that you make a statement to the House outlining the position that the UK intends to take, and the reasons for your decision, so that the House has an opportunity to debate this issue that prior to the meeting.
 
“As you will know, surface transport accounts for one-fifth of our domestic carbon emissions and therefore remains a key contributor to climate change. It is therefore vital that the Government supports action at an EU level on highly polluting fuels. Experts agree that oil from tar sands is a ‘dirty fuel’ and the European Union has every right to identify the environmental impact of oil extracted from tar sands in Canada and elsewhere. Instead of promoting dirty jobs in Canada, the Government should act to strengthen and support the UK’s car industry in seizing the huge opportunity that exists to boost the low carbon vehicle sector.
 
“We have previously expressed concern at your decision to abandon Government support for a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, despite the pledge in the Coalition Agreement. It would be extraordinary if the UK Government were to support further delay on this sensitive environmental question, especially as the Liberal Democrats called it ‘environmentally damaging’ before the last election. Any stance other than clear unequivocal support for this EU proposal would expose the government as being completely out of touch and not serious about tackling climate change. After failing to stand up to the vested interests of the energy giants, the Government should not now let big oil hold sway on the issue of tar sands.”