COMMONS HEARS CALLS FOR SCOTTISH VOICE AT COPENHAGEN

COMMONS HEARS CALLS FOR SCOTTISH VOICE AT COPENHAGEN

As the House of Commons today (Thursday) debates Climate Change and the UK government’s preparation for the Copenhagen climate change conference, SNP Environment spokesperson Mike Weir MP repeated calls for a Scottish Government Minister be part of the UK ministerial team at the conference – 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 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 show the rest of the world why they must follow suit.

“The Scottish Parliament has passed world leading climate change legislation, and we have an obligation to make our full contribution to the global challenge we all face. That is why Scotland should be at the centre of this process – not relegated to the fringes by the UK Government.

“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.

“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.”