Polar bear confronts Howard as Tory leader gives evidence to wind farm inquiry

Michael Howard was today confronted by a polar bear angry at the opposition leader's attempt to scupper a proposed wind farm in his constituency. The polar bear carried a placard saying 'HOWARD YOU LIKE YOUR HOME TO MELT?' and 'WE NEED THIS WIND FARM'.Echoing the polar bears sentiments a group of local children carrying windmills booed Mr Howard outside the public inquiry into the proposed Romney Marsh wind farm.

The bear is a member of the environmental group Greenpeace. Spokesperson Sarah Shoraka said: "Polar bears are just one of many species threatened by global warming, and wind farms like the one proposed for Romney Marsh are the best way to protect our climate. It's pretty obvious Mr Howard is doing the wrong thing for narrow political reasons."

Last month Mr Howard gave a speech in which he stated: "Climate change is one of mankind's greatest challenges... The call to action is even stronger today than it was then. Britain and the global community are still moving too slowly. The international effort on climate change desperately needs renewed leadership." But the Tory leader is the vice-chair of the anti-wind group in his Folkestone constituency and has sought to make political capital out of his opposition to the Romney Marsh project.

Sarah Shoraka said: "If this is Mr Howard's idea of leadership on climate change then the world's threatened species, including many types of bird, really do have a lot to fear, as do us humans. Global warming is already killing 150,000 people a year and things are set to get a lot worse. Without renewable energy schemes like this one we'll see worsening climate change and the construction of new nuclear power stations like the ones at Dungeness."

For more contact Greenpeace on 0207 865 8255 / 07801 212967

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