PM: Leading world on climate action

12 April 2012

Britain will lead the world towards combating climate change, Prime Minister Tony Blair has vowed.

Mr Blair said the new draft legislation for reducing harmful emissions. - which binds the UK to a 60% cut by 2050 - was a "revolutionary step".

Mr Blair spoke out as he unveiled the proposals to an audience of teenagers in Downing Street.

He told them: "Every generation of political leaders is confronted by a major and often different challenge.

"People that have been in Downing Street over the years have faced issues to do with the Cold War, the Depression and the rise of fascism.

"Climate change is a bit of a different type of challenge but a challenge I believe is the biggest long-term threat facing our world."

He went on: "This is a revolutionary step in confronting the threat of climate change.

"It sets an example to the rest of the world but, as important as anything else, it listens and responds to the strong desire on the part of the British people to take the lead and to keep it."

The draft Climate Change Bill also sets an interim target of a 26% to 32% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020.

Legally-binding carbon "budgets" will be set to ensure Britain remains on target to meet those figures, and progress will be reported to Parliament annually.

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