Green peer named "Parliamentarian of the Year"
25 April 2004
Lord Beaumont of Whitley has earned a place in this years all-party awards for introducing and steering the ground-breaking Air Traffic Emissions Reduction Bill (1) through the House of Lords. The Bill proposes cuts in aviation emissions - 5% by 2010, 50% by 2050 - which would scupper the government's plans for massive expansion of the industry.
Lord Beaumont commented today: "I am honoured and delighted to receive the award.
"The House of Lords as a whole must share the credit. People are beginning to recognise that causing climate change should have no part in the modern conception of progress. Real progress means meeting our transport needs in a way that's sustainable and fair to the whole world, including future generations.
He continued: "Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases, yet the industry benefits from tax-breaks and hidden subsidies amounting to £13 billion a year.
"The success of both the Bill and the awards show that people are increasingly questioning the government's agenda. This is by no means the first time a policy pioneered by the Green Party has seen a sea-change."
Lord Beaumont will be joined by fellow award winners on Monday 26th April at 13.00 in Committee Room 3A of the House of Lords for the Towards Sustainable Aviation Awards 2004.
