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Responding to today's Cabinet reshuffle, Barbara Stocking, Chief Executive of Oxfam, said:

"The headlines may be about Peter Mandelson, but this reshuffle is about more than just personalities. The decision to bring together energy and climate change into a single department is a decisive and necessary one. Too often it has been a case of the left hand having no idea what the right hand is up to, and this must now bring a much-needed cohesiveness to government policies. With global climate and energy security at stake, the British government must now demonstrate powerful leadership.

A new Oxfam report to be released on Monday highlights how the government has been disjointed, with BERR and DEFRA in particular, contradictory in their policies. The report likens the different interests of companies, government departments and public attitudes around as a "gathering storm", which must be resolved if UK climate policy is to secure a low-carbon future and the UK to be a credible leader towards a global agreement to cut emissions.

This is vital for the millions of poor people around the world who are already feeling the impacts of climate change worst, despite being the least responsible.

There will be two major challenges facing Ed Miliband as he takes up his new post. We will be asking him to make the right decision on Kingsnorth coal-fired power station, and to secure strong, effective targets to cut all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK Climate Change Bill by at least 80%.

ENDS

Contact:

Dan Timms,
07810 181 514,
dtimms@oxfam.org.uk

For more information on Oxfam's report - "Forecast for tomorrow: Creating a climate for change" - contact:
Lucy Brinicombe:
01865 472 192,
07786 110 054,
lbrinicombe@oxfam.org.uk


Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International and a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 612172.
Registered office: Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2JY.
A registered charity in England and Wales (no 202918) and Scotland (SCO 039042)


Company: Oxfam
Contact Email: click to reveal e-mail
Company Website: http://www.oxfam.org.uk

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oxfam | climate change | peter mandelson | cabinet reshuffle | ed miliband |

Categories:
charity/voluntary sector
current affairs
environment/conservation
government

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