The climate emergency in Newcastle and nationally - bold plans from Liberal Democrats
Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidates in Newcastle have issued a joint statement about their response to the Cilmate Emergency, spelling out in detail policies they would adopt to reduce emissions and fight their consequences.
(Pictured l-r Dr Nick Cott, Newcastle North; Ali Avaei, Newcastle Central, and Dr Wendy Taylor, Newcastle East) said :
The Liberal Democrats in Newcastle have been fighting to stop Climate Change for many years. When we ran the Council between 2004 and 2011, we made sure the environmental impacts of every decision were considered and we made sustainability a top priority. As result of our actions, Newcastle was named as the most sustainable city in the UK 2 years running. In 2010 we adopted the Newcastle Declaration on Climate Change , with clear targets for progress. Unfortunately these were not followed through once we lost control in 2011. We also proposed a motion to City Council in April this year asking the Council to declare a Climate Emergency. The Labour Council removed the target of reporting back within 6 months and so far very little progress has been made.
The top priorities for a Liberal Democrats Government are:-
An emergency programme to insulate all Britain's homes by 2030, cutting emissions and fuel bills and ending fuel poverty.
Investing in renewable power so that at least 80 per cent of UK electricity is generated from renewables by 2030 - and banning fracking for good.
Protecting nature and the countryside, tackling biodiversity loss and planting 60 million trees a year to absorb carbon, protect wildlife and improve health.
Investing in public transport, electrifying Britain's railways and ensuring that all new cars are electric by 2030.
We would also
Introduce a National Food Strategy, including the use of public procurement policy, to promote the production and consumption of healthy, sustainable and affordable food and cut down on food waste.
Invest in large scale restoration of peatlands, heathland, native woodlands, saltmarshes, wetlands and coastal waters, helping to absorb carbon, protect against floods, improve water quality and protect habitats, including through 45 piloting 'rewilding' approaches.
Establish a £5 billion fund for flood prevention and climate adaptation over the course of the parliament to improve flood defences, and introduce high standards for flood resilience for buildings and infrastructure in flood risk areas.
On transport our policies are
Investing in public transport, buses, trams and railways to enable people to travel more easily while reducing their impact on the environment.
Placing a far higher priority on encouraging walking and cycling - the healthiest forms of transport.
Accelerating the transition to ultra-low-emission transport - cars, buses and trains - through taxation, subsidy and regulation.
We would ensure that Newcastle and the North East receives its fair share of this investment to achieve all these aims