news story

23rd November 2006

Top Lib Dem in South Glos to Launch Campaign

Emma Bone (candidate for Filton & Bradley Stoke), Chris Huhne MP (Lib Dem environment spokesman) and Steve Webb MP at the launch of the "green tax switch" campaign

Top Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne, runner up in this year's Lib Dem leadership campaign, has visited South Gloucestershire to launch the party's new environmental campaign. The MP, who speaks on the environment in the House of Commons, spoke to a packed meeting at Rangeworthy Village Hall which was also attended by Northavon MP Steve Webb and Emma Bone, Lib Dem candidate for the new Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency.

The new initiative, which will form the centrepiece of the South Glos. Lib Dem campaign next May, is called the "Green Tax Switch". The key message which was explained by Chris Huhne, is that we can use the tax system to discourage pollution and spend the revenues cutting income taxes for millions of families. He told the meeting that political parties needed to be bold in their commitments to tackle the threat of global warming and that so far only the Lib Dems had come up with detailed policies in this key area. The MP welcomed the achievements of South Gloucestershire residents in dramatically boosting recycling rates and praised councillors for their leadership on the issue.

Local campaigner Emma Bone said: "In Bradley Stoke where I live I find that young families in particular are increasingly concerned about the future of the world that we live in and want to make a difference where they live. The message that we need to 'think global' but 'act local' has really struck a chord".

Northavon MP Steve Webb, who is currently analysing more than 5,000 replies from local residents to his environment survey said:

"It is clear to me from the volume of replies that I have received to my survey that local people care very much about the environment, both locally and globally. I am proud that the Lib Dems are giving a lead on this vital issue".

At the end of the meeting, Chris Huhne drew attention to the local elections earlier this year where Liberal Democrats in his home area of Eastleigh made gains against a Conservative challenge. He encouraged the South Glos. Lib Dem team to pull out all the stops to make further gains next May.
 

Click here to learn more about the Green Tax Switch campaign