Policy Announcements, Tuesday 13 March

Government 

• The Government's blueprint for tackling climate change was today set out by Environment Secretary David Miliband. The draft Climate Change Bill set out a framework for moving the UK to a low-carbon economy. Key points of the draft bill, published today, include:

• A series of clear targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions - including making the UK's targets for a 60 per cent reduction by 2050 and a 26 to 32 per cent reduction by 2020 legally binding. 

• A new system of legally binding five year "carbon budgets", set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK's pathway towards its key targets and increase the certainty that businesses and individuals need to invest in low-carbon technologies. 

• A new statutory body, the Committee on Climate Change, to provide independent expert advice and guidance to Government on achieving its targets and staying within its carbon budgets. 

• New powers to enable the Government to more easily implement policies to cut emissions. 

• A new system of annual open and transparent reporting to Parliament. The Committee on Climate Change will provide an independent progress report to which the Government must respond. This will ensure the Government is held to account every year on its progress towards each five year carbon budget and the 2020 and 2050 targets. 

• A requirement for Government to report at least every five years on current and predicted impacts of climate change and on its proposals and policy for adapting to climate change.

• A consultation document on the proposals for enforcement of the REACH Regulation in the UK was published today. REACH, (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) was agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on 18 December 2006. The Regulation will come into force on 1 June this year. It will form the EU's framework legislation for the management, control and use of chemicals, replacing much of the current patchwork of over 40 pieces of legislation. The UK is required to have an enforcement and penalties regime in place no later than 1 December 2008. REACH will apply not only to chemicals manufacturers or suppliers, but to any business which uses chemicals - so a wide range of businesses will be affected by the enforcement arrangements proposed.

Conservatives  

• George Osborne has warned the private equity industry not to give in to attacks from the "narrow minded" Left and instead to stand up to its critics. The shadow chancellor, who would be ultimately responsible for regulating the sector were the Conservatives to be elected at the next General Election, issued a rallying cry to the industry, telling it to explain how it is a beacon of British excellence. His comments came in direct response to those of trade unions such as GMB and various Labour politicians who have criticised the industry for asset stripping, axing jobs and abusing tax loopholes.  

Liberal Democrats  

• Lib Dem Peers are encouraging members of the public to have their say on reform of the House of Lords. They are asking the public to write down their views and place them in a ballot box outside Parliament during the House of Lords debate on reform of the Upper Chamber. The Peers will also launch their own consultation website (http://www.lordsreformvote.org/).