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28/03/2006
Blair backs Asia-Pacific climate deal
The Prime Minister has backed an Asia-Pacific climate pact that seeks to use technology to reduce emissions rather than meeting pre-agreed targets.
Mr Blair said that the pact between the US, China, India, Australia, Japan and South Korea was an initiative "in the same direction" as others aimed at reducing emissions.
The Prime Minister was in Canberra for a meeting with Australian Prime Minister John Howard, as part of a tour of Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.
Following the wide-ranging discussions, Mr Howard said the relationship between the UK and Australia was in "very good shape"
Mr Blair said that sharing a common approach to world issues was of "immense importance" to both countries.
"[In] fighting global terrorism, building strong relations with America, making sure that we get the right results on world trade, global poverty, climate change, all of these issues where Britain and Australia have much in common; have much to gain from working together," said Mr Blair.
The Prime Minister defended the pact signed by some of the major industrialised countries which declined to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol that commits signatories to substantially reduce emission by 2008-2012.
Mr Blair said that the initiatives "all tending in the same direction" were a "positive sign."
A criticism of the Kyoto agreement is that it threatens economic growth and with limited signatories will not be as effective as was envisioned.
The first meeting of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate was held in January.
Britain has announced its Climate Change Review that seek a reduction in the UK's emissions of greenhouse gases to 23-25% below base year levels and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions to 15-18% below 1990 levels by 2010.
(SP/GB)
Mr Blair said that the pact between the US, China, India, Australia, Japan and South Korea was an initiative "in the same direction" as others aimed at reducing emissions.
The Prime Minister was in Canberra for a meeting with Australian Prime Minister John Howard, as part of a tour of Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.
Following the wide-ranging discussions, Mr Howard said the relationship between the UK and Australia was in "very good shape"
Mr Blair said that sharing a common approach to world issues was of "immense importance" to both countries.
"[In] fighting global terrorism, building strong relations with America, making sure that we get the right results on world trade, global poverty, climate change, all of these issues where Britain and Australia have much in common; have much to gain from working together," said Mr Blair.
The Prime Minister defended the pact signed by some of the major industrialised countries which declined to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol that commits signatories to substantially reduce emission by 2008-2012.
Mr Blair said that the initiatives "all tending in the same direction" were a "positive sign."
A criticism of the Kyoto agreement is that it threatens economic growth and with limited signatories will not be as effective as was envisioned.
The first meeting of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate was held in January.
Britain has announced its Climate Change Review that seek a reduction in the UK's emissions of greenhouse gases to 23-25% below base year levels and reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions to 15-18% below 1990 levels by 2010.
(SP/GB)
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Greenpeace activists have disrupted Tony Blair’s speech on nuclear power at the Confederation of British Industry conference. Two protestors scaled the ceiling above the speaker’s podium before the Prime Minister’s speech and unfurled banners saying ‘Nuclear – Wrong Answer’ and dropped confetti, to symbolise ash from radioactive fallout.
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Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Mostly cloudy with showery outbreaks of rain reaching parts of Antrim and Down later this evening, The showers will extend westwards overnight, clearing from most places by morning. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
