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Greater Manchester Spatial Framework – Friends of the Earth reaction

news release

Commenting on the ‘Greater Manchester Plan for Homes, Jobs and the Environment – Spatial Framework’ published today (7 January), which sets out the planning blueprint for the city region for the next twenty years, Helen Rimmer, North West campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

“With national governments failing to take the urgent action needed to avoid climate breakdown, it is more important than ever that our city regions show leadership and reap the benefits of the low carbon transition for jobs and quality of life. It’s therefore good to see Greater Manchester’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2038 and to keep fossil fuels in the ground enshrined in this planning policy.

“The plan rightly highlights access to green space and clean air for everyone as a priority. Radical policies will be needed to shift people from their cars to walking, cycling and public transport. A Clean Air Zone across the city region will be essential.

“However, Greater Manchester’s ambitions to be at the forefront of action on climate change are simply incompatible with the continued expansion and growth of Manchester Airport.

Friends of the Earth will work with local communities to ensure the GMSF contains the progressive policies and actions needed to ensure that Greater Manchester has the clean air, affordable public transport, sustainable jobs, energy-efficient housing and safe climate that we all need.

ENDS

For more information contact the Friends of the Earth press office on 020 7566 1649 / 07718 394786 (out of hours – please do not text this number) or by emailingmedia@foe.co.uk.

Editor’s notes:

  1. About Friends of the Earth: For more than 40 years we’ve seen that the wellbeing of people and planet go hand in hand – and it’s been the inspiration for our campaigns. Together with thousands of people like you we’ve secured safer food and water, defended wildlife and natural habitats, championed the move to clean energy and acted to keep our climate stable. Be a Friend of the Earth – see things differently. For more information visit: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/ follow us at @friends_earth, or like our Facebook page.

 

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