SCOTTISH VOICE AT COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER.

SCOTTISH VOICE AT COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER.

Expressing regret that Labour MPs this evening failed to back ambitious climate change targets in the House of Commons, SNP Climate Change spokesperson Mike Weir MP said it was now even more important that a Scottish Government Minister be part of the UK ministerial team at the climate change conference in Copenhagen – in order that the world leading climate change legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament was not overlooked.

Mr Weir, a member of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee, said:

“It is regrettable but sadly predictable that Labour have voted down these targets, and it is now more important than ever that a Scottish Government Minister be part of the UK delegation in Copenhagen. The Scottish Parliament’s world leading climate change legislation must not be sidelined.

“The 10:10 campaign is of real significance in mobilising support for far reaching targets and for individual and companies to demonstrate their own commitment to reducing emissions.

“Scotland has led the way in legislation to tackle climate change. Our bill is world leading and it is achievable but there must be an international agreement that ambitious targets must be set.

“It is ridiculous that despite the example Scotland has set to the world the UK Government refuses to allow a Scottish Minister to join the delegation to explain to the rest of the world why they must show the same ambition we have.

“Copenhagen is the world’s chance to make the right decision. Scotland has made the right decision on climate change. We have got what it takes to tackle climate change if we work hard and invest in our green energy future. It is time for the rest of the world to follow suit.”