Labour Party fails to make a stand for our climate and oceans

The Labour Party's continued support for deep sea oil drilling in Aotearoa is a step in the wrong direction, Oil Free Wellington said today.

On Monday the Labour Party announced their support for deep sea oil drilling and further fossil fuel extraction in Aotearoa.

"We welcome the Labour Party's intentions to stop Government subsidies for fossil fuels but their policy today does not suggest they have a real or inspired vision for a sustainable future for Aotearoa" said James Barber.

"Despite acknowledging the very real threats of climate change and an oil spill, the Labour Party seems to be unwilling to oppose this government's Mine It, Drill It, Frack It policy.

"If the Labour Party wants the support of a public whom are increasingly aware of the threats which deep sea oil drilling poses, it needs to make a bolder and braver stand.'

"The most recent IPCC report shows that climate change is an even greater threat than previously predicted and that Aotearoa is underprepared to both mitigate and adapt to climate change.

"The Deep-water Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico is also continuing proof of the risks of an oil spill, but also proof of how impossible they can be to contain.'

"Labour's unclear promises for a more effective rapid response capability are not enough to allay the concerns of the huge number of New Zealanders who have shown their opposition to deep sea oil drilling.'

ENDS

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