Pro-hunt Tory millionaire 'not right for climate job'
Wednesday 05 September 2012
Printable
EmailAlarm spread among green campaigners today over the appointment of died-in-the-wool rightwinger Owen Paterson as Environment Secretary, writes Roger Bagley.
Mr Paterson is a pro-hunting millionaire who has indicated hostility to energy subsidies and support for shale gas developments.
He was transferred from Northern Ireland Secretary to the key environment job in Tuesday's Cabinet reshuffle. He replaced Caroline Spelman, who was sacked from the Cabinet.
Mr Paterson, who is MP for North Shropshire, has campaigned loudly against expansion of wind farms in Wales, complaining of the unsightly impact of pylons.
He is also in favour of culling badgers.
Green Party spokesperson Penny Kemp declared: "The gloves are off and we must unite to stop this man and his appalling ideas."
Ms Kemp accused Prime Minister Cameron of falsely promoting himself as in charge of the "greenest government ever."
She added: "He has promoted a man who loves air travel, wants a third runway at Heathrow, suggests ending all energy subsidies, embraces fracking, opposes wind farms and has been linked to climate denier Nigel Lawson."
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