Mark speaks out for the Environment in Parliament

12.33.27pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Nov 2005

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter has spoken out in Parliament in favour of a Bill to make it easier for residents to cut their utility bills and protect the environment at the same time.

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill encourages householders to utilise technology such as solar power and small-scale fuel cells to produce their own electricity which could then be sold back to the National Grid.

Mark said, "There is a wealth of technology out there just waiting to be exploited. The purpose of this Bill is to assist households to generate more of their own electricity thereby cutting the carbon emissions that cause pollution as well as lowering bills for residents."

"At a time when global warming is beginning to take effect as well residents' utility bills going through the roof, there's never been a better time to encourage new forms of electricity generation. It's clear that this, and previous governments have failed to get to grips with issues associated with climate change and energy poverty so I hope this Bill will have a positive effect."

"This is an issue many people in Cheadle feel strongly about. A large number of local residents have contacted me over the past few weeks urging me to support the Bill and I was more than happy to do so. In addition, Stockport councillors agreed a resolution in support of this Bill a few months ago so it was good to get the opportunity not just to support the Bill but to speak in favour of it during the debate too."

A further Bill, sponsored by fellow Stockport MP Andrew Stunell was 'talked out' by Conservative MPs despite receiving support from most Members of Parliament. Mr Stunell's Bill would have promoted more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways of producing electricity as well as encouraging new buildings to be more energy efficient.

Said Mark, "It's no wonder that many people don't have faith in what happens in Parliament when a few Tory MPs use such cynical tactics to block important business such as this. They should be ashamed of themselves."

The full text of the Bill Mark supported in Parliament can be found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/017/2006017.pdf

You can read Mark's contribution to the debate in Parliament at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm051111/debtext/51111-11.htm#51111-11_spnew10