The contradictions of the Welsh Conservative’s policy on green issues are all too apparent says Welsh Labour as it turns up the heat on Tory hypocrisy.
The Tories are due to call for a moratorium on the construction of wind farms during an Assembly debate today (Wednesday 24th October) – despite their manifesto commitment to develop ALL forms of renewable energy and recognition of the fact that climate change is one of the greatest challenges Wales faces.
The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to developing renewable energy of all kinds to rise to the challenge of climate change.
Welsh Labour's Sustainability Committee Member and Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths said:
‘’Once again typical Tory double standards have become all to clear for the people of Wales to see.
‘’They call for action to cut Wales’ carbon emissions but they can’t back any proposals in their own back yards.
‘’The Tories preach green but they can’t act green. They need to stop pretending to be concerned about climate change because no one can believe that they’re serious about this issue when they want to block all new wind farm proposals.
‘’They can’t claim to be in favour of using ‘all the green technologies’ when today they are calling for a moratorium on the most developed form of renewable energy – wind energy.
‘’Renewable energy is key to cutting Wales’ carbon emissions. If the Tories are serious about climate change, then they need to be serious about the use of alternative energy.
‘’Their position on green energy is all at sea – just like their position on further devolution for Wales. David Cameron says one thing, Nick Bourne says another and when it comes to the crunch none of their Assembly Members can find the bottle to back their own party’s ‘conversion’ on these issues.’’
24/10/07
Notes
“Any proposal to harness the energy of the Severn estuary must have public support. We also believe that other forms of renewable energy must be considered.’’ 6th October 2007 Welsh Conservative Party spokesman (http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/politics-news/tm_headline=tories-8216-split-over-barrage-8217&method=full&objectid=19905027&siteid=50082-name_page.html)
In the Welsh Conservative Manifesto 2007 the Tories say that ‘’Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face. We want to see all the green technologies come forward and play their part’’ (page 15)