Contact/Cyswllt:  Sian Cliff
02920 898342 / sian.cliff@wales.gov.uk

Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, welcomes the Climate Change Bill published in Parliament today, but warns that there must be more political will and support from the new Labour-Plaid Assembly Government if this landmark drive towards tackling climate change is to succeed.

“The Climate Change Bill is a very positive step towards a more sustainable future. In Wales we have a statutory duty towards sustainable development and this Bill will make the UK the first country to have a legally binding timetable to reduce carbon emissions.

“A recent report by the IPPR, WWF and RSPB called for a target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 – an even more ambitious target than the legally binding reduction of 60% proposed in the Bill. This higher target is essential if we are to avoid the most damaging effects of climate change and must be supported by yearly targets for reducing carbon emissions. The UK Government need to get their act together and not shirk their responsibility to safeguard our future.

“The Labour-Plaid Assembly Government are leading a downhill battle on climate change and failing the people of Wales. Recent figures have shown Wales is the highest emitter of CO2 in the UK and to meet our 2010 target we must cut carbon emissions by a further 15% by 2010. We are over 70% behind our aim of producing 10% renewable energy by 2010 despite such huge capacity for renewable energy in Wales – yet another target that we are shamefully failing to meet.

“I believe that Jane Davidson, Minister for the Environment, has the individual drive to do her best to tackle climate change but do the rest of her Ministerial colleagues have the will to provide the funding and support that is so urgently needed?

“There is no use in setting targets unless this is matched by political drive and funding. There must be greater support from the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government and more communication and co-ordination between Westminster and the Assembly Government to develop policies capable of delivering on our targets.

“The Climate Change Bill will allow more transparency on progress towards reaching our targets, as Welsh Ministers will be required to report to the Assembly on their plans and progress on tackling climate change. The Assembly Government will also be able to seek advice from the new UK Committee on Climate Change – I hope this will mean an end to the failing Labour-Plaid policies and the dawn of a new day for sustainability in Wales.”


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