Howard Slams Blair & Bush On Climate, Energy - BBC

"Tory leader Michael Howard has accused Tony Blair of squandering the chance to lead efforts against climate change. In a speech to an environment forum, Mr Howard described climate change as "one of mankind's greatest challenges".

He said it was very disappointing that Tony Blair had not succeeded in persuading US President George Bush that the issue should not be shirked.

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Mr Howard urged a new focus on energy efficiency, which he called the "Cinderella" of the debate. At least two-thirds of Britain's housing stock had yet to benefit from any efficiency measures at all. He suggested there could be a cut in stamp duty on energy efficient homes.

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Liberal Democrat environment spokesman Norman Baker said Mr Howard was really a "toxic Tory" who in government had given water companies an amnesty to water companies polluting rivers and tried to repeal European environmental legislation. "Michael Howard is desperately attempting to jump on the green bandwagon, and has missed his footing," said Mr Baker."

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3651052.stm