Adam Afriyie

MP

Caring for people through choice, freedom, enterprise, and strong defence.

Enjoying Unusually Warm Weather
20-Oct-06, Windsor Express Article.

Most people tend to agree that climate change is one of the most pressing threats to life on earth and one of the greatest political challenges of our time. Yet it is not felt to be the most urgent for many people because they feel there is little they can do personally to make a big difference.

It is one of the issues that unite all the main political parties. I am glad that David Cameron has had the courage to raise the challenges of climate change to the top of the political agenda and that Conservatives are taking the lead in addressing them.

In Parliament my colleagues and I have been calling for an 'official' consensus between political parties that CO2 emission levels must be quelled, where only an unofficial consensus exists thus far.

Many had hoped that the Government’s Climate Change Levy would be a positive step in tackling the problem. It is, however, disappointing that it merely appears to be a tax on energy usage rather than on CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Whilst it is pleasant to enjoy unusually mild autumn weather, it would perhaps be better for all of us if the weather remains more typical for this time of year.

I believe

People are happier when making their own decisions.

Business is the engine of the economy that generates our jobs, incomes and taxes.

Government should not interfere in our lives beyond protecting and defending us.