King’s speech: Climate justice must be at heart of UK government vision
The climate crisis is the greatest threat we will ever face and must be at the heart of today’s King’s speech, says Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater.
Ms Slater has called for the UK government to commit to ending all new oil and gas exploration, halting the climate-wrecking Rosebank oil field licences, and increasing the drive for 100% renewable energy.
Ms Slater said: “The climate crisis is the greatest threat we will ever face. The actions that we take now will have an impact for decades to come.
“That is why we need governments that recognise the scale of the emergency and are prepared to take the steps we need to build a fairer, greener economy that works for both people and planet.
“We cannot afford more of the same, and nor can the world around us. Future generations will not forgive us if we stick to business as usual.
“The King’s speech is a golden opportunity for the new Prime Minister to lay out a bold and ambitious vision, and finally close the door on the last 14 years of Tory environmental vandalism.
“That means ensuring that the wellbeing of our planet is at the heart of the government’s agenda, embracing the vast renewable potential that exists all around us and working with trade unions to deliver a just transition from fossil fuels to the green economy.
“We can fund this vital work with a programme of wealth taxes on the polluters who have profited so much from the destruction of our climate. This will allow us to invest in nature restoration, renewables, rail, housing, energy efficiency, and upgrade the vital infrastructure that the Tories ignored.
“It would be a huge opportunity for our climate, but could also be transformative for our economy. We have an abundance of skilled workers and renewable resources, and we need to put them at the centre of our energy plans.
“We may not be able to undo the damage that has been done by decades of reckless policy and inaction, but we can ensure that we do better from this moment on.
“The first step has to be halting the destructive Rosebank oil field and committing to delivering 100% of our electricity from renewables.”
