Sammy Wilson MP MLA

“Biofuels contributing to higher food prices”

Sammy Wilson MP has said that the UK Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which requires 5% of road transport fuel to come from biofuels, is misguided and irresponsible.

The MP stated that this target, along with the EU target of 10% of transport fuel to come from biofuels is contributing to higher food prices worldwide.

Mr Wilson said: “The 10% target is another example if EU madness and a complete lack of common sense. At a time of rising food prices it does not make sense to use land to growing crops for fuel rather than food.

I have raised this matter in Parliament with the Environment Secretary, and I will continue to push for the UK’s withdrawal from this obligation, which is not only having an effect on food prices, but is also having a devastating effect on rainforests, with much deforestation occurring to clear land for growing biofuels.

It is time to put to bed this myth that biofuels are better for the environment. It is clear that they are currently damaging the environment, contributing to rising food prices and doing little to reduce the price that we pay for fuel at the pumps.”

ENDS

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