Government emissions up 6.25% in 2008 - Hughes

12.39.18pm GMT Mon 8th Feb 2010

Carbon emissions from the public sector increased 6.25% in 2008, Liberal Democrat analysis of new Government figures reveals.

While every major sector of the economy except housing saw emissions fall, the public sector saw emissions rise from 9.6m tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2e) to 10.2 MtCO2e.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes said:

"How can the Government expect to be taken seriously on climate change if it can't even get its own emissions under control?

"Labour is yet again failing to match its climate rhetoric with real action

"Britain needs a Government which sets an example and delivers immediate and ambitious carbon reductions."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The most recent DECC figures on UK greenhouse gas emissions released on 2 February 2010 can be found here: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/climate_change/gg_emissions/uk_emissions/2008_final/2008_final.aspx

2. Last year a Liberal Democrat motion to sign the public sector up to 10% emission cuts in 2010 was rejected by the Government.