COMMONS COMMITTEE CALLS FOR WESTMINSTER TO FOLLOW SCOTLAND’S LEAD

COMMONS COMMITTEE CALLS FOR WESTMINSTER TO FOLLOW SCOTLAND’S LEAD

SCOTTISH CLIMATE TARGETS SHOULD APPLY ACROSS UK

SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP has welcomed a report by the influential House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee today (Monday) which calls on the UK Government to follow the Scottish Government’s lead by cutting emissions of greenhouse gases by 42 per cent by 2020 - the target enshrined in law by the Scottish Climate Change Act, which was passed unanimously last year.

Mr Weir said:

“Scotland has led the way in legislation to tackle climate change and so it is very welcome that this committee is now recommending that Westminster should catch up and cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2020.

“The Scottish Government has set the benchmark and, after the fiasco in Copenhagen, it is now more important than ever that other governments show the same leadership and ambition to tackle climate change. These recommendations show that Scotland can inspire other nations to equally ambitious action.

“Right across the developed world, we need a cohesive approach to tackling climate change and the UK Government must now act on these recommendations.

“Scotland is already making a big difference on climate change through developing the technology and capacity - in renewables, in carbon capture, and in energy efficiency measures - to reduce emissions and combat global warming.

“Our Climate Change Act is the most ambitious in the world, committing us to cut emissions by 42 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and by at least 80 per cent by 2050. Scotland has the natural resources - 25 per cent of Europe's offshore wind and tidal resources, and 10 per cent of wave potential - and the ambition to achieve these targets at home and make our full contribution to global goals.

“Last week it was minimum pricing, this week it is climate change, the Scottish Government really is showing the way to Westminster.”