Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House. This Bill has been on quite a journey since it first saw the light of day several months ago. The core issue is that vehicles should be taxed based on their emissions, a measure we all welcome. All sides of the House would agree that tackling emissions is vital if we are interested in tackling climate change.

I heard of the proposal while doing some work in my mother-in-law's back garden when I got a telephone call from a journalist who asked for my comments. After listening to the details, I believe the Labour Party is in favour of the idea. I commend the Minster on his actions in this regard and I welcome his recent changes in respect of the legislation's D-Day, meaning it will come into effect in January rather than July.

I should declare a conflict of interest because I was one of those who went out in the past month and bought a more environmentally friendly car. I am looking forward to paying less tax the next time I renew it, assuming the Bill is passed.