With the UK election just nine days away, Plaid Cymru has accused the three main UK parties of ‘virtually ignoring climate change as they indulge in petty squabbling’.
Plaid said that in a hung parliament they would push for powers over energy production and conservation to be devolved to the National Assembly. This would help Wales to develop an Environmental Action Plan, targeting carbon emissions and creating green jobs.
Plaid’s Ceredigion candidate Penri James accused the other parties of ignoring the need to tackle climate change as they continue to squabble.
The party said that Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems were ignoring the potential for creating green jobs and helping the economic recovery through investment in tackling climate change.
Speaking today, Penri James said:
“The three London based parties have been far too busy slinging mud at each other to think about climate change.
“We in Plaid Cymru are absolutely clear about the threat posed by climate change, and the need for long term measures to tackle it. What’s more, we see the substantial economic potential in developing the green economy.
“Giving our National Assembly power over energy would be an important step forward. We are committed to developing an Environmental Action Plan, helping Wales lead the way in tackling climate change and creating thousands of green jobs.
“Plaid’s Environmental Action Plan would develop high-speed electrified railways in Wales and more green transport. We would invest in community based farming to produce more locally grown food as well as investing in energy saving projects such as home insulation. We are also ambitious about creating more green energy through renewable energy projects and changing the national grid to support more local energy production.
“Plaid is serious about tackling climate change and realising the potential of green jobs and investment. The other parties may have chosen to put climate change on the back burner, Plaid certainly has not.”
