Scrap Scrappage
21st April 2009
South Tyneside Green Party has criticised Labour's plans for 'scrappage' scheme, where car purchasers may be paid by the government up to £2000 [edit] to trade in an older car for a new one.
Bryan Atkinson, the Green Party's Parliamentary candidate for Jarrow in the next General Election, has hit out at the policy as a flawed and cynical token gesture that will end up costing the taxpayer with no benefit.
"This scheme will only benefit those who can afford to buy a new car and the motor industry.
"The industry has had thirty years to clean up it's act and now the taxpayer is footing the bill to bail them out. The scrappage scheme would not create jobs, and will not help reduce the UK's CO2 emissions.
"This is giving the motor industry cash and green credibility when it deserves neither.
"The best way to create jobs and reduce emissions is to implement policies like those outlined in the Green Party's Green New Deal which would focus investment in sustainable job creation in modern public transport services, energy efficiency and renewable power generation."