EU hails ‘outstanding’ British climate pledge

On the 17 May 2011 the United Kingdom Energy Minister Chris Huhne committed the UK to halving carbon emissions by 2025, from 1990 levels, and changing the way that the country produces energy.

The announcement makes the UK the first country in the world to have declared a 'legally binding' target on greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2020.

EU Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard praised the UK government decision – if the EU takes similar action.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 17.5.11: Chris Huhne briefs MPs on long-term carbon target http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13417997

EUObserver, 18.5.11: EU hails UK decision to cut emissions by 50 percent http://euobserver.com/9/32350

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