Labour's former Climate Change Secretary has been quiet on green issues since his election. Effective opposition means holding the Government to account.
Our guest writer is Peter Ainsworth, a Conservative MP from 1992 to 2010.
As Shadow Environment Secretary I argued that the way that centre right politicians of a previous generation had allowed the Left to take over the environment, as a political issue, was a huge setback to all of us who care about the only place we have to live. I had a hunch that the Left didn’t really care much about the green space in politics, but occupied it simply because it had been abandoned by everyone else. The behaviour of the Labour Opposition since the last Election suggests, depressingly, that I was onto something.
Labour have been eloquently silent on the environment, doing damage to the progress of the green agenda, to their effectiveness as Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and, in consequence, to their own credibility.
The centre right is reclaiming the green territory. When David Cameron said that the Coalition would be “the greenest Government ever”, I believed him. So far my confidence has been rewarded. Despite the huge pressures caused by the need to deal with Brown’s budget deficit, and despite the sceptics and the ever-vigilant Treasury, the green promises have so far emerged largely intact from the CSR.
We will have a Green Investment Bank, a Renewable Heat Incentive, a workable system of Feed in Tariffs for renewable energy, and – somehow – a comprehensive programme for home energy efficiency which will also address fuel poverty. I know that none of these is likely to be perfect, and that compromises have been made; but we owe the fact of their existence to initiatives launched by the Coalition Parties when in Opposition; a handful of Ministers who genuinely “get” the commercial importance of the green agenda; and to assiduous work by NGO’s and green trade associations. It also helps that the Prime Minister gets the point.
Where was the Labour Party when these crucial decisions were being taken?
The recent Party Conference season offers a clue. The Conservatives devoted a whole day to “Green growth”. Labour’s official conference programme planned no plenary session on climate change or greenery of any kind. The closest they got was a session on “Creating Sustainable Communities” at which Hilary Benn was one of five Ministers speaking. But did the agenda or the description of the days proceedings mention climate change or environmental protection once? Sadly not.
And what is the Shadow Chancellor up to? When Alan Johnson set out his own ideas about the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on 18th October the only thought that touched on the environment at all was that a loan to Sheffield Forgemasters should be re-instated in order to assist the building of new nuclear power stations. Great. By the time that he came to respond to the CSR statement two days later even that idea had disappeared from the script. It was left to George Osborne to make the point that, even in hard times, the environment matters.
And where, or rather who, are the Shadow Cabinet Members responsible for DEFRA and DECC? I don’t want to be unkind, but a Google news search reveals just two mentions apiece since their appointment – one of which reported the setting up of a fake Twitter page!
Having spent most of my 18 years in Parliament on the Opposition benches, I know that Opposition can be frustrating; but it is not hopeless. Indeed, it should not be. Effective oppositions don’t just prepare for the next election, but can and should shape policy. As the opposition-born campaign which led to the Climate Change Act illustrates, it is quite possible for Opposition Parties to make a difference by forging alliances with outside groups and across the political divide in Westminster. But they do need to make the effort. And Labour, it seems, isn’t.
The truth is that all Governments are coalitions, cobbled together from people with widely differing opinions even if they belong to the same Party. Ministers who want to promote green measures need support from across the political spectrum, and need to engage support from outside Parliament too. In this context, the Opposition can have real influence. Indeed, it is one of its essential functions.
But Labour seem to need to discover this; which is quite surprising, given that Ed Miliband made his political name on green issues and climate change. He was an effective Secretary of State, astute at building cross-Party consensus, and the progressive measures which he placed on the Statute Book (such as the Climate Change Act) had all initially been opposed by his own Government. He, of all people, should understand the difference which Opposition Parties can make.
Making a difference is not just an opportunity for Labour, it is a duty. Oppositions should help move forward the political agendas they value. It is Labour’s job to ensure that the Coalition actually implements the policies that will make this Government the greenest ever. It’s called “holding the Government to account” – an old fashioned concept, perhaps, but a vital one.
As one of the greenest members of the last Government, Ed will have used the pressure applied by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to persuade his own Party to adopt progressive green policies. Maybe, having become Leader, he finds that there are too many distractions; maybe, under the influence of Trade Unionists (who in my experience have never gone out of their way to help the environment) he sees the green agenda as a low priority; maybe he doesn’t in fact care that much. We shall see.
There is an early opportunity to prove me wrong. On Friday 12th November the Commons will debate two Private Members’ Bill introduced by Labour MPs. One is to do with sustainable livestock (which I originally introduced at the end of the last Parliament); and one on sustainable food procurement.
Everyone knows just how vulnerable Private Members’ Bills are, but that is no excuse for not giving them a fair wind and allowing them to be debated in detail in Committee. As things stand, the Labour Opposition has been silent on both these measures, failing to lend support. Who are they afraid of? Do they actually care much? Even the “greenest Government ever” will need the help of the Opposition to achieve its objectives; they would never admit that of course, but it is true.
If, as I suspect, the Government does not support these Bills (Governments generally don’t like Private Members’ Bills) Labour at least has the chance to cause some embarrassment. That’s another thing that Opposition Parties are meant to do.
In addition to being a former shadow DEFRA Secretary, Peter Ainsworth chaired the Environmental Audit Committee. He is currently Chair of both the Conservative Environment Network and Plantlife, as well as being a Founder Member of the Robertsbridge Group.
41 Responses to “Is the ‘Green Red’ dead?”
Chris
@moron mousey
LOL, you’re slipping ever further into self-parody.
““Pre Coalition” means nothing. Like I said you’re living in the past. Move on.”
How is the AV ref going to be won when you libs are running out excusing all manner of u-turns, misleading statements and downright lies with this bollocks. Your main theme during the GE was restoring trust in politics, it is a sickening betrayal to turn round and tell the electorate all previous commitments and policies are off the table because of the coalition. And not a good advert for coalition politics.
“Your first link was from 2007. 2007 hahahaaha THREE years ago we’re in coalition now – means nothing. Like I said you’re living in the past. Move on.”
The video was from 2009, the commitment was in your manifesto and has been restated many times. You clearly know very little about actual libdem policy, in common with a majority of people who voted for them; next you’ll be telling me the libdems are and always have been in favour of control orders.
“Labour used to care about the poor once…”
Is that the best you can come up with, I pick apart your demented ramblings and you come back at me with a bitchy comment based on nothing more than your own mental health issues. That may be what the voices in your head are telling you, mouse, but they don’t always speak the truth.
“Your answer for the social housing where you blame the markets is exactly what I say about you excusing the faults of the last useless government – you’ve just done it again Chris – blame someone else – anyone else but not Labour…”
Yawn…
“You see regardless of your rudeness and bluster the fact is I am only stating things that are true, factual and evidence based.”
For the thousandth fucking time, just because the demented voices in your head tell you something doesn’t make it true. As is always the case with mental health problems, the first step to recovery is to realise you have a problem; I thought you’d made progress mousey but it seems you’ve slipped back into believing your the sane one and everyone else in the world is mental. Perhaps you’d consider electric shock therapy as your next course of treatment.
“You are either lying or excusing the record of that last incompetent bunch. The shame is the leadership is being honest so I ask did you see Ed Miliband’s conference speech because if we accept what you say then he is wrong about renewal.”
Yawn, as I said consider the electric shock therapy.
“It’s over Chris – you lost the last election, you’ll lose the next in any event and if your attitude is typical of Labour supporters (and in fairness your opinions do seem to be unique on this blog) you’ll lose the one 10 years from now.”
LOL, I realise your extensive focus group work makes the voices in your head believe they understand the electorate but in truth focus groups made up of your parents, other window lickers and strange men you met in bars/public toilets doesn’t give an accurate representation of the electorate as a whole.
“This is supposed to be an “Evidence based blog” Chris and whilst I accept that with contributors such as Joss Garman (the Ed Miliband fanboy), Rupert Read, David Taylor and other delusional individuals, at least I think they actually believe the garbage they post but I believe you are acting dishonestly – you must be since I gave you links above that show EVIDENCE yet you still question it?”
Your one link was to a libdem cllr’s “blog” with a story I’ve seen on half a dozen other libdem cllr blogs, strange that, not exactly a non-partisan assessment of the coalitions housing policy. I don’t see how you can crow about policies that totally destroy the concept of affordable housing but in your mad little mind…
“hahahahaha!!!!”
WTF? I totally destroy your argument and provide links showing you know nothing of the actual policies the libdems campaigned on at the last election and the best you’ve got is hahahaha. You must be severely mentally retarded, as well as a paranoid schizophrenic, taking that into account maybe the electric shock therapy isn’t the best course of treatment. We’ll have to get a court order for your lobotomy.
“Chris – Just noticed you mentioned “actual policies” in your last paragraph but I’ve just been told elsewhere in this blog you are on record stating that you don’t believe party manifestos are important… WHAT?”
You’ve been told elsewhere? Where would that be? Was it the voices in your head telling you that?
“Have you stated this elsewhere Chris ‘cos I can’t find it… please elaborate – your postings are better than a Carry On film hahahaha”
I don’t remember saying so and you must remember there are other “Chris” commentators on this blog, including the one that was actually you pretending to be me.
Anon E Mouse
Chris – It is unlikely anyone on this blog or anywhere else would pretend to be you so don’t worry.
Let’s try again and please be polite and drop the swearing in public forums. You’re not in the school yard now and there are young ladies reading this. (Liz I’m not being ageist – no metrosexual male ever would be..)
We are not discussing the AV referendum Chris. We are discussing the way Labour talked about building social housing and didn’t.
As a voter of Labour under Blair, I was “pretty sickened” when Labour brought in tuition fees and didn’t give the public a vote on the Lisbon Treaty and Blair didn’t serve a “Full Third Term” and on and on so don’t give me that sanctimonious waffle and please address the point YOU linked to regarding the Lib Dems PRE GOVERNMENT.
2007. 2009 – you’re just making excuses for the last useless government’s shoddy record.
Which part of that Lib Dem councillor’s post was incorrect?
You’re still living in the past Chris and haven’t realised Labour has lost the election. Last go Chris.
Did Labour increase the number of Social Houses available during their time in office?
A simple YES or NO will suffice… (hahahahahahaha)
Chris
@contorted and illogical mousey
“Let’s try again and please be polite and drop the swearing in public forums. You’re not in the school yard now and there are young ladies reading this. (Liz I’m not being ageist – no metrosexual male ever would be..)”
Fuck off you rodent.
“We are not discussing the AV referendum Chris. We are discussing the way Labour talked about building social housing and didn’t.”
Actually we’re supposed to be discussing Labour’s environmental policies or the lack of them according to some tory party hack.
“As a voter of Labour under Blair, I was “pretty sickened” when Labour brought in tuition fees and didn’t give the public a vote on the Lisbon Treaty and Blair didn’t serve a “Full Third Term” and on and on so don’t give me that sanctimonious waffle and please address the point YOU linked to regarding the Lib Dems PRE GOVERNMENT.”
Yawn, you really are pathetic. As I said previously, the libdems aren’t winning anybody round to their views on coalition politics by breaking all manner of election pledges, manifesto commitments, etc.
“2007. 2009 – you’re just making excuses for the last useless government’s shoddy record.”
WTF does that mean? Somehow Labour forced the libdems to make commitments that they have now broken? Have they up your tranquillizer dosage?
“Which part of that Lib Dem councillor’s post was incorrect?”
None of it has been implemented yet so we don’t know what is incorrect but its the same old briefing note sent to all Focus editors to stick on their cllr’s blog or in the Focus. Only time will tell if they will actually build as many homes as they say they are but even if they do those home will be financed by the poor paying much higher rents. The policy of 80% rents for new tenants is disgusting and basically abolishes the concept of affordable housing in many areas.
“You’re still living in the past Chris and haven’t realised Labour has lost the election. Last go Chris.”
Yawn, is that all you can come up with? A line you’ve been repeating since May or “hahahaha”, you make a drooling coma patient sound imaginative.
“Did Labour increase the number of Social Houses available during their time in office?”
By the coalitions own propaganda Labour increased the number of social/affordable homes.
Anon E Mouse
Chris – I’ll ignore your rudeness – do you have Tourette’s by any chance?
Last go (once again). Here’s the statistic:
House building has been forecast to fall even further in 2009-10 to the lowest levels since 1923. Home ownership is also falling and Labour’s Housing Minister John Healey recently said that: “it’s time to give up the dream of home ownership”.
Now do you agree with the facts Chris or do you need a hug?
If you need to say “Just hold me” I will understand Chris.
In any event you are simply wrong about Labour’s disgraceful housebuilding record and the fact they now want to give Housing Benefits to the greedy landlords – partially created by starving the market of new affordable homes is once again Labour supporting the rich.
(hahahahahahahahaha)
Chris
@weird mousey
“I’ll ignore your rudeness – do you have Tourette’s by any chance?”
Grow a thicker skin you little pus filled troll.
“House building has been forecast to fall even further in 2009-10 to the lowest levels since 1923. Home ownership is also falling and Labour’s Housing Minister John Healey recently said that: “it’s time to give up the dream of home ownership”.”
Oh mousey, you made a big error and I’ve found you out you little astroturfing tory tosser! Put the above quote into google word for word and you get two results both of which quote the same *Conservative Party* press release!!! http://bit.ly/cYJuCJ
The top result is for the Lancaster & Fleetwood Conservative Association http://bit.ly/bjUtlz
It all fits into place now, mousey, your total lack of knowledge about even signature LibDem policies, your wild swings from working class socialist to high toryism. Your an astroturfing tory, stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!!
“If you need to say “Just hold me” I will understand Chris.”
WTF? Have the anti-psychotics confused your brain into thinking, while writing your comment, that you were back meeting strange men in public toilets?
“In any event you are simply wrong about Labour’s disgraceful housebuilding record and the fact they now want to give Housing Benefits to the greedy landlords – partially created by starving the market of new affordable homes is once again Labour supporting the rich.”
As I’ve now confirmed your an astroturfing tory it is easy to see the distinctive traits of a right winger, the total inability to see in colour everything in black & white displayed above for instance. Anybody with half a brain cell knows the majority of council housing was sold off under Thatcher at a massive discount, it made kulaks out of the council house dwelling peasants but once they sold up the communities disappeared and the BTL landlords moved in. As full fact point out here the effects of Right to Buy will take generations to make up – http://bit.ly/cWxcVm
Labour didn’t build enough housing, they did refurbish a lot, and carried on the tory policy of HB taking the strain. But this is all off topic mousey, like every thread you comment on you ignore the topic at hand and go into an anti-Labour rant making use, it seems, of Conservative Party press releases as your main reference.
Like LibDems all over Labour heart lands in May and beyond, you’ve been thoroughly beaten and exposed as a tory astroturfer.