SCOTLAND'S VOICE MUST BE HEARD says Jim Mather MSP

In the light of the failure of Labour MPs to back ambitious
climate change targets at Westminster Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll & Bute
has joined with his MP colleagues in repeating demands for a Scottish
Government Minister to be part of the UK team attending the Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen to ensure that the pace setting
legislation passed by the Scottish parliament is not sidelined by
default.

Jim Mather said:

" While disappointed that Labour MPs have this week failed to
back ambitious climate change target proposals at Westminster I suggest
that this reinforces the relevance of demands from my colleagues there
that Scotland should be represented at the top table in Europe
discussing these crucial matters. We have led the world in framing
legislation to tackle climate change. Our Bill sets the benchmark and is
achievable but we really do need international agreements to be
established so that targets are set out on an credible basis. Because of
this it is more essential than ever that a Scottish Minister be invited
to join the UK delegation to help set that agenda.

The Copenhagen meeting is the world's chance to make the right
decision and we have a place to play in that. We should not be denied
the opportunity to participate because of political posturing at
Westminster."


JIM MATHER MSP jim.mather.msp@scottish.parliament.uk