US POLICY ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL

Early day motion 460, tabled 19 March 2001 by Joan Ruddock (Labour). Signed by 112 members.

That this House expresses its dismay at President Bush's stated resistance to the Kyoto Protocol, which aims to combat climate change by reducing global emissions of carbon dioxide; recognises that these views contradict a recent agreement by G8 environment ministers, stating that the G8 countries are committed to reaching an agreement on the implementation of the protocol; notes that the President argues that carbon dioxide is not classed as a pollutant under the US Clean Air Act; further notes recent reports from the world's climate experts which have confirmed that climate change is a reality; believes that the United States must join with the United Kingdom in taking action to reduce its emissions at home; welcomes the Prime Minister's recognition in his recent speech that Britain has a 'special responsibility' to ensure the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol; and urges the Prime Minister to use his good offices to persuade the Bush administration of the urgent need to take action on climate change.

Signatures by party: Labour 71, Liberal Democrat 30, Labour/Co-operative 6, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 1, Unknown 1.