'Budget a bad deal for environment' - Watson

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

South West Lib Dem Euro-MP Graham Watson has condemned today's budget as a weak deal for the environment. Commenting after Gordon Brown's announcement this morning Mr Watson said:

"The Chancellor simply isn't making the polluter pay. Carbon dioxide emissions are on the rise and today's changes in Vehicle Excise Duty are not enough to really make a difference. Environmental taxation should be simple but sadly this government has done little in the way of providing economic incentives."

Mr Watson, who has recently taken part in the 'Click for Climate Change' campaign and switched to a green energy supplier, continued:

"This Budget is a missed opportunity for the government to have helped people save money and change their lifestyles at the same time. For example, the expense of fitting solar panels can be very offputting, often costing in the region of £3000. Limited funding may be given to help subsidise solar installations but with only an average of £400 going to each household more money needs to be made available and sooner, rather than later. The Chancellor could have today increased these grants to homeowners to help with ever-increasing gas and electricity price hikes."