Our current campaign is based on raising the profile of green issues. Amongst the current debates about MPs’ expenses, the rise of the far right, Gordon Brown’s future, and the recession, we must not forget that climate change is continuing unabated. Liberal Democrats have long believed that it is vital for the future of our planet that we tackle global warming and other environmental issues. A green thread runs through all our policies, and Vince Cable wants us to take a “green road” out of the recession. On green issues, the New Labour Government has failed to deliver any significant change over the last twelve years, and the Conservatives are all talk and no action.
On 23 May 2009, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Hilary Myers took part in the “Big Green Question Time” session in Hebden Bridge, along with Craig Whittaker (Conservative), Steph Booth (Labour) and Kate Sweeney (Green Party). The event was chaired by Rev. Tony Buglass and organised as part of Hebden Bridge’s “Big Green Weekend”.
Over the course of the debate, the differences between the candidates soon became clear. On one side were the establishment politics of New Labour and the Conservatives, and on the other, the much more radical and forward-thinking policies of the Liberal Democrats and Green candidates.
Hilary spoke of the need for urgent action on climate change. For example, rather than wasting money on expensive schemes like the 2.5% VAT cut, Liberal Democrats would spend money insulating schools and hospitals. This would provide employment in the short term, and reduce the carbon footprint of those buildings in the long term.
Vince Cable has made it clear that the Liberal Democrats would tackle the recession by taking the “green road to recovery”. This would include funding insulation and energy efficiency for a million homes, building 40,000 extra zero-carbon social houses, installing energy and money saving smart meters in every home, reopening old railway lines and stations, and buying new train carriages.
Back in Hebden Bridge, the candidates were asked about their attitudes to nuclear power. Hilary explained that the Lib Dems are against the construction of new nuclear power plants in the UK. It would be a disastrous waste of money that would be much better invested in renewable energy generation and energy use reduction schemes, not to mention the long term problems of nuclear waste and decommissioning which would place a huge burden on future generations to clear up after us.
When it comes to transport, Lib Dems are committed to doubling our investment in railways, making up for years of under-investment and encouraging people to use trains in place of driving or flying. We would also introduce a road toll scheme for freight to get lorries off the road.
In conclusion, the debate made clear that the Lib Dems have retained their position as the greenest of the main parties. We are committed to working locally, nationally and with our European partners to not only improve the environment, but also to do our best to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.
