Tories are all talk on tackling climate change

12.00.00am GMT Sat 17th Feb 2007

Liberal Democrats have questioned the green credentials of Conservatives in Essex after they refused to accept a motion calling on the council to sign the Nottingham Declaration.

The declaration provides a framework for councils to make a practical commitment to taking action on climate change.

In contrast, the Liberal Democrats are committed to offering positive solutions to climate change. At their autumn conference the Liberal Democrats voted to reduce income tax and move towards a 'Green Tax' system. The greener you live, the less tax you pay.

Locally Lib Dems on Epping Forest District Council were responsible for expanding door-step recycling which increased the recycling rates. Although the Conservatives said in May they would reorganise waste collection, they have failed to draw up any plans. All we know is that local people will have to pay more.

Cllr Malcolm Woollard said "David Cameron may try to 'spin' that the Conservative Party care about the environment but Conservatives on Essex County Council must realise that being environmentally conscious means taking real action to achieve real goals.

"Liberal Democrats on the County Council will keep up the pressure on the Tory Council."