§ Norman BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will list the environmental objectives he has set for the UK, in terms of tackling climate change, for the UK presidencies of(a) the EU and (b) the G8. [179976]
§ The Prime MinisterThe UK wishes to see new momentum injected into international dialogue on climate change and this will be a priority for the Government in 2005.
The European Spring Council in 2005 is due to consider medium and long-term European targets and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The UK will play an active role in driving this forward and ensuring that the EU is in a strong position to play a constructive role in the international climate change negotiations in November 2005.
Under our Presidency of the G8 in 2005, climate change, along with Africa, will be our top priorities. The Government aims, in particular, to advance work on the development and uptake of cleaner energy technologies, building on the Action Plan agreed by Heads of Government in Evian in June 2003.