Cameron agenda on environment and business discredited by Tory peers

2.27.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th May 2006

Lib Dem Trade and Industry Secretary, Ed Davey - "David Cameron is saying one thing on the environment, and allowing his party in the Lords to do another."

The shallowness of David Cameron's commitment to the environment was revealed yesterday when Conservative Peers, including twenty-two shadow ministers and both environment spokesmen, voted to remove the requirement on companies to have greater regard to the environment and foster greater social responsibility as part of their reporting requirements.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Trade and Industry Secretary, Edward Davey MP said "David Cameron is saying one thing on the environment, and allowing his party in the Lords to do another. The Company Law Reform Bill is a huge opportunity to encourage UK business to take their environmental responsibilities seriously. Yet the Conservatives voted against this vital improvement for the environment."

Continuing Ed said "It is even more bizarre given this change, backed by the Liberal Democrats, had the support of many major British companies. By voting against the environment and business, Cameron's Conservatives have achieved the amazing feat of scoring two own goals."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said "The vote yesterday by Tory peers, including both their environment spokesmen, against strengthening environmental law is very revealing. They have shown yet again just how skin deep David Cameron's new found enthusiasm for the environment runs in the Tory party."

Background details: Debate Lords Hansard 9th May 2006: Col 829-845 Conservative Peers voted in the Company Law Reform Bill being debated in the House of Lords Report Stage to take out references to companies having a greater regard to the community and the environment. This was defeated by 156 votes to 106. For further details follow the link below.

Related Link:

Lords Hansard 9th May 2006: Col 829-845. Conservatives arguing against increased environmental protection.