Bush and Blair should lead a new alliance to produce sustainable fuels

IT is time for George W Bush and Tony Blair to start thinking about completely removing tax on biofuels and encouraging the production of ethanol (from sugar), biodiesel or even the famous ‘chip-pan waste’ fuel derived from cooking oil.

These sustainable fuels are not only more efficient than petrol but also cleaner - and they recycle waste. Their widespread use could also ease geopolitical tension and dependence on the Middle East while providing a lucrative income for farmers who are being crippled by rising fuel costs and the end of agricultural aid.

Biofuel production is growing rapidly in the US, Australia and Brazil where groups of farmers have set up their own refineries.