SOUTHWARK LIB DEMS LAUNCH 'GREEN SWITCH' WEEK

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Oct 2006

Local Liberal Democrats this week visited the Artesian Building at Bermondsey Spa to highlight the launch of the party's nationwide 'Green Switch' campaign. Southwark Council leader Cllr Nick Stanton and local North Southwark & Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes were joined at the eco-standard setting building by Cllr Lisa Rajan (Executive Member for the Environment) and Cllr Richard Thomas (Executive Member for Regeneration).

The Artesian Building embodies the high environmental standards the Liberal Democrats in Southwark are pushing for - water saving devices and high levels of insulation to protect the environment and reduce bills; ample space for recycling facilities; a 'green' roof to encourage biodiversity, and a car-sharing club for residents.

The Liberal Democrat Green Switch campaign aims to cut income tax for people on low incomes and increase the share of taxation brought in by 'green taxes' on high polluting vehicles, high-emission companies and airlines.

Commenting, Simon Hughes MP said:

"Saving the planet starts at home. The job of all community leaders in Southwark is to make sure that everybody gets the green message and that we all act on it.

"We must all work harder now to make our great borough, city and country a better place for us to live and for the next generation to inherit."

Councillor Nick Stanton added:

"Energy efficiency is simple common sense. It saves money on bills and it saves the planet. It's a no-brainer."