21 April 2006
The environment dominated the local elections campaign this week as the political parties vied to demonstrate their green credentials in the run-up to polling day on May 4.
Conservative Party leader David Cameron, launching the final phase of the campaign on April 18, urged voters to 'vote blue and go green' and insisted that global environmental problems could be solved at local level.
He said Tory councils would lead the way on issues such as increasing recycling, lowering carbon emissions, making transport greener and tackling noise pollution.
'It's so important that Conservatives take the lead in the environmental debate so we can put forward our vision of greener growth that combines economic and social progress with a better quality of life,' Cameron said.
But Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell accused the Tories of mere 'posturing' on green issues. He added: 'The Liberal Democrats remain the only party seriously committed to tackling climate change.'
Labour also weighed into Cameron, launching a cartoon character called Dave the Chameleon who can turn from blue to green and 'tells people what he thinks they want to hear'.
Meanwhile, the London Green Party published a ten-point plan pledging to tackle 'the decline in public services' and enforce high environmental standards.
The proposals include enforcing energy efficiency policies for all new buildings and halting the 'back-door privatisation' of schools.
Green London Assembly member Darren Johnson said: 'If you want genuine green policies, only a vote for the Green Party will deliver.'
PFapr2006
