16 September 2007
Harriett Baldwin today backed the Conservative's Quality of Life Policy Group report entitled Blueprint for a Green Economy published last Thursday.

The report is over 500 pages long and makes 100 specific recommendations to improve the quality of life for everyone through a dynamic economy, a strong society, and a sustainable environment.

Speaking to the Conservative Women's Consultative Committee near Ludlow, Harriett Baldwin said: "Protecting our beautiful West Worcestershire environment is a vital and increasingly urgent issue. We have a responsibility to make pass on a greener and cleaner planet for our children. We have seen in Worcestershire this summer the impact of unprecedented rainfall. This report is all about creating incentives for people to help them make greener choices.

I personally went on a carbon diet at the beginning of this year. By changing the way I do small things, like washing my clothes at 30 degrees, using low energy light bulbs and running a more fuel efficient car, I have reduced my personal carbon emissions substantially. Of course, there is more to do for all of us."

The Conservative Shadow Cabinet will consider carefully the policy recommendations the report makes, which include: developing a better measure of wellbeing, giving a stamp duty rebate for energy efficiency improvements, increasing demand for low carbon cars, extending producer responsibility for more wastes, establishing higher standards for electrical appliances and reforming Air Passenger Duty.

David Cameron responded to the publication by announcing that any revenue raised from taxes on pollution would be put into an independently audited fund devoted entirely towards cutting family taxes.