Yesterday the BBC were taking every opportunity to verbally attack the USA for not agreeing to binding reductions in carbon emissions, see
here for one on-line example. An interesting fact emerged during Questions to the Prime Minister (PMQs) yesterday; John Redwood asked "Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Why did carbon dioxide emissions in both the UK and the EU rise last year
while falling in the United States of America, and what are the Government going to do about it?" (
my emphasis). Tony Blair responded "
It is correct that there was a small rise here and, indeed, elsewhere in Europe. It is precisely for that reason that we have agreed a new framework for the European emissions trading system. I know that the right hon. Gentleman may find it hard to support anything with the word “European” in it, but it is none the less important to recognise that it is only through that trading scheme that we will make a difference. The fact that the European Council has now set very ambitious targets for CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas emissions is extremely important. Incidentally, this country will meet our targets under the Kyoto treaty." Note - The full Official Hansard report is not yet available, this is taken from the Daily Record
here.
Five fascinating things emerge from this:
1) This is the first time I have heard that the emissions concious EU has allowed emissions to rise whilst talking at great length and volume of the need to cut emissions, whilst the USA has cut them
2) The Prime Minister still cannot answer a serious question without trying to score cheap political points at the expense of his questioner. John Redwood is a Eurosceptic (or Eurorealist) but that does not negate the truth in the question he asked
3) Tony Blair still believes that "set(ting) very ambitious targets for CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas emissions is extremely important", presumably more important than actually cutting emissions in the real world
4) Which countries are more likely to cut emissions next year, those whose emissions rose this year, or those who cut emissions?
5) The BBC report
Point by Point on PMQs, you won't be surprised to see how they have edited John Redwood's question - "Tory MP John Redwood asked why carbon emissions went up in the UK and Europe last year." No mention of the nasty, evil USA doing something better than the lovely, cultured, sensitive EU can be allowed
BBC bias, it's so easy when you spot it.
