Simon Hughes announces party consultation on personal carbon trading

 I am always keen to engage Liberal Democrat members in policy debate at the highest levels. We have an engaged, committed and intelligent membership and their views and their votes are central to shaping our party policy. This is not just a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ at federal party conference and should mean engagement week in week out throughout the year.

Since I was given my new responsibility for environmental matters I have been struck by how far the debate has moved on. For many years Liberal Democrats were a lone voice championing environmental causes while Labour and the Conservatives showed neglect. That is no longer the case.

Liberal Democrats remain at the forefront of policy debate and have a proud record of action on the environment. But we must be aware that other parties are, albeit late, coming into the environmental debate. For environmental and political reasons we must seek again to do what Liberal Democrats do best and lead the way in setting the most ambitious political agenda.

I am therefore announcing the launch of a two month, internal party consultation to seek views on the role and responsibility of individuals in meeting the challenge of climate change. This consultation is to look specifically at the idea of personal carbon trading – although I am keen that responses also consider individual responsibility in addressing climate change more generally. It is clear that if drastic cuts in carbon emissions are to be made at a global and national level than each of must take action individually.

Personal carbon trading is a policy idea to drive behavioural change. It works by placing an annual cap on carbon emissions which is reduced year on year. Individuals are given a proportion of the carbon allocation in the form of carbon on an equal basis. These units can be used as individuals see fit, either used up as we participate in carbon creating activity or traded through a carbon market for monetary reward. By giving individuals a personal carbon allowance there is an initial cap to individual consumption and immediately increased awareness of the carbon costs of our lifestyle choices. If each of us has a capped allowance, this will immediately require us to make choices about between more necessary and unnecessary activity and is bound to bring about reductions in UK emissions.

Personal carbon trading is clearly a policy idea with some merit. But there is also some very serious concerns about such a scheme. The consultation asks people to address the advantages and disadvantages. It is clear that individuals, as well as all levels of government, business and the voluntary sector, must make a serious and urgent effort to reduce emissions.

I now want to hear from members and supporters whether you think personal carbon trading is a good idea. If it is, should it be introduced generally or only at first by way of a pilot. If so, what sort of pilot? If not, what action do you think we should take instead to increase personal awareness and drive personal lifestyle change?

The consultation proposal is available by clicking on the link below. For a paper copy of the consultation please contact my office on 020 7219 6256. The consultation will close on 15 September 2009. Please send responses of no more than 1000 words to simon@simonhughes.org.uk or addressed to Simon Hughes MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.