The European Parliament has today voted against raising the EU's emission reduction targets from its current goal of reducing emissions 20 per cent against 1990 levels by 2020 to a 30 per cent cut by the same date. The vote represents a major blow to efforts to encourage the EU to deliver more ambitious targets. --BusinessGreen, 5 July 2011
The Guardian has tried to talk up a "rift" between Tory MEPs and the Party in Westminster. In fact, we've agreed to differ (and many Conservative back-benchers in Westminster would support our opposition to 30%). I am delighted to record that the whole Eickout report was voted down today (July 5th) by a substantial margin. It's difficult to predict what will come next, but I can't see the Commission coming forward with legislation based on the 30% target after the parliament has decisively rejected it. A job well done. --Roger Helmer (MEP), Brussels, 5 July 2011
