GLC and MPs join climate change fight (From South Wales Argus)

GLC and MPs join climate change fight

5:32pm Saturday 2nd February 2008 in News By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

NEWPORT'S MPs stood shoulder to shoulder with Goldie Lookin' Chain rappers to lobby for action on climate change.

The unlikely alliance was formed in support of Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign, which aims to encourage the Government to do its fair share in reducing carbon emissions.

Paul Flynn and Jessica Morden met Rhys, Eggsy and Adam Hussein at the Riverfront to lend their support to the event organised by Newport Friends of the Earth.

The home-grown rappers were "great fun" and "very nice people", according to Ms Morden, MP for Newport East.

She also praised Newport Friends of the Earth, whose coordinator is Suzannah Evans, for being "a very active branch".

"It's important that people like the GLC are able to highlight the issue among young people," she said.

"I'm very proud that our Government is the first in the world to introduce binding targets for carbon emissions, and to encourage other countries to cut their carbon output.

"But we're all aware as the Climate Change Bill progresses that we've got to be brave with the legislation."

Mr Flynn, MP for Newport West, said: "What a team! The chutzpah and exuberance of GLC, the powerful message of Friends of the Earth plus the political punch of the two Newport MPs are united in the fight for a strong Climate Change Bill."

The two MPs have already shown their support of a strong climate change law, committing the UK to a three per cent annual cut in carbon dioxide emissions and will include targets for international aviation and shipping.