The present government came to power when the electorate rejected the uncaring nature of its predecessor. We should not be surprised then if it occasionally embarks on a righteous crusade.
Foxhunting, the House of Lords and car-dealer cartels were all very New Labour targets and now their reforming zeal has turned to saving the environment.
One would think that being green and clean would meet with approval from every right-thinking person. At least, as long no one is asked to pay for it.
And there’s the rub.
The latest big idea is a ‘neutral’ energy tax. By introducing the Climate Change Levy, the government imposes a tax on industry’s energy users and as the textile-care industry is an energy intensive sector, it will be hit hard.
Its trade associations are seeking exemptions from the levy for their members and could argue that it is only human nature to look after one’s own interest. It is that, but in this case it is also very short sighted.
We either pay to reduce carbon emissions today or pay twice as much to repair the damage tomorrow. Without doubt there is more remedial work to be done on the environment and much more financial pain to come. No exceptions, it should be shared fairly.
