climatechange-news (Jo Swinson)

Feb 28, 2012:
- Food for Thought
  Food is part of all our lives - whether it is concerns about the cost of eating or about getting the right nutrition for elderly relatives or fussy youngsters. It is part of our cultural experience - sharing meals with loved ones to celebrate special occasions and local delicacies reflecting the interplay of people and land like Bakewell Tarts, Lancashire Hotpots & Yorkshire Puddings. Given its centrality to all our lives it is important that the policy framework to support the provision of food is right. The environment in which we produce food is changing. The world's population could reach nine billion by 2050, with many people wealthier, creating demand for a more varied, high-quality diet requiring additional resources to produce. At the same time the effects of climate change and competition for land, water and energy will intensify. Couple those pressures with over a billion people hungry and over a billion people over-consuming, creating a public health epidemic and you see the challenges of a global food system. It adds up to Liberal Democrats needing to think afresh about how we can supply food in the future which is healthy, affordable and environmentally sustainable. I have been asked by the Liberal Democrats DECC & DEFRA Parliamentary Party Committee to draft a paper on food policy in time for Autumn Conference. I would welcome party members' views on some of the key questions: Firstly, how we can increase productivity sustainably? Meeting the challenge to reduce the footprint of the food system and which minimises the release of greenhouse gases. We need to be clear what 'sustainable intensification' means and what the animal welfare impacts of the drive to American style mega farms are. Weighing up the value of new technologies such as genetic modification and the use of cloned livestock and ensuring that the voice of the public is adequately reflected in decisions about their introduction. And with estimates that up to a third of food is wasted, ensuring waste reduction is a priority above technological solutions. Raising the profile of innovative schemes and initiatives encouraging food growing in local communities up and down the land. Secondly, how can consumers be helped to make better food choices? Can we define a sustainable diet, reflecting a healthy diet which also delivers resilience in the face of environmental pressures? How acceptable might it be to recommend a meat free day once a week in the way the Government has recently stepped up its advice about alcohol? As Liberal Democrats we believe in the freedom of the individual but is a combination of education, labelling and promotional activity delivering the step change needed in our nation's diets? What role might fiscal measures, such as taxation of sugary drinks, have to play in influencing consumer demand? Thirdly, how we can support food businesses that meet our food goals? Positive reform of the Common Agricultural Policy offers the opportunity to support food businesses that recognise the natural capital of the land. But what more could we do? Are farming cooperatives a model that should be encouraged to flourish in the United Kingdom as they do in much of mainland Europe? And finally how Government can lead from the front. Despite welcome changes in school food purchasing in recent years, Government has been unwilling to support positive food choices throughout the range of public services they fund, including hospitals. Is it time to look at the true costs and opportunities of central procurement? Our commitment to fairness, our commitment to protecting and respecting the earth's finite resources and our commitment to individual freedom will all impact on our thinking about food. If you have views that you would like to share with me on this subject, please email me on parminterk@parliament.uk or come to the Green Liberal Democrats fringe meeting on food policy at Spring Conference. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 15, 2012:
- AAA to GGG?
  Britain's triple 'A' credit rating is now in doubt. This, if nothing else so far has, should raise concern in the mind of George Osborne that a new approach to Britain's economy, and future, is needed. Can he be persuaded to take a new approach that aims for a triple G rated economy? An economy triple rated as Great Going on Green Issues? Fears around the severe weakness of Britain's economy are due to the reality of the unsustainable nature of many of our business practices. An economy that is dependent on oil, a finite resource, cannot be a strong economy. We need to stop investing in the past and invest in the future. Time and again advice has been offered urging the need to look at increasing our production and manufacturing sectors and not just relying on a service sector. Despite it not being healthy to measure a country's progress just by its GDP, significant improvements in output could be made just by altering what we produce and how we produce it. The most sustainable products and services that we could provide would be those that are environmentally driven and ethically made. An economic strategy that truly considers and plans for the future has to be environmentally minded. "Peak Oil has come - we are in a race to wean ourselves off fossil fuels, and need to recognise that the economy will not recover until we do." says Simon Oliver, Vice Chair (organisation) Green Lib Dems. We call on the government to take this opportunity to: Strengthen our economy, by developing and encouraging institutions that will ensure sustainability and security through enabling energy, water, and food to be available and accessible in the future. Reduce unemployment and pursue the delivery of Green Jobs, particularly by promoting Renewable Energy technologies and companies; to provide jobs and increase employability through improving the nation's knowledge and skillsets. Be a world leader in the coming Energy Revolution. These are not just moral imperatives but also ways to financial well-being. A GGG rating would boost our chances of retaining our AAA rating too! Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Feb 3, 2012:
- Green Liberal Democrat Statement on the Resignation of Chris Huhne
  The Green Liberal Democrats are saddened to hear of the resigination today of Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP from the role of Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. Chris was an excellent advocate for the environmental agenda within both the coalition government and the Liberal Democrat party. There is much he can feel proud of from his 20 months in the role - like his leadership role at the Durban Climate Conference, the huge growth in renewable energy during his tenure, and putting the UK Economy on track to meet its carbon targets. Chris is a Vice-President of the Green Liberal Democrats, and despite the heavy demands of his position, we found him at all times to be supportive, engaging and accessible. We would like to register our gratitude for that and we hope he is able to clear his name swiftly. We also hope that the Coalition will continue to ensure that tackling environmental issues and reducing the nation's carbon emissions remains at the heart of all government policy. These issues are not only our greatest challenges, but also key opportunities for securing jobs and a sustainable future. Steve Bradley Chair, Green Liberal Democrats On behalf of the Green Liberal Democrat Executive Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Jan 6, 2012:
- We are Recruiting Regional Reps!
  Our Regional Reps will have 3 main aims; 1. to increase contact and communication with our members, 2. increase representation and discussion of regional issues, and 3. encourage Green issues to penetrate policy and decision-making at regional (and local) party levels. Regional Reps, like other members, will be welcome to join our Exec Meetings. Get in contact if you are interested in becoming or finding out more about being a Regional rep for GLD! Please email info@greenlibdems.org.uk and put 'Regional Reps' in the subject heading. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Oct 21, 2011:
- GLD Consults on the National Policy Planning Framework
  The Green Libdems have just completed their participation in the consultation process for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Our contribution can be found in the resource folder linked below. Consultation Documents In addition we have produced a briefing paper on the Localism Bill Briefing Documents The debate in the House of Commons drew contributions from many of the Libdem MPs who support us and helped frame our response. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Aug 20, 2011:
- A New Green Voice
  Your very own Simon Oliver, Green Liberal Democrat Membership Secretary, has recently taken to raising green issues on the Libdem Voice website. Please take the time to read and comment if you wish. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 11, 2010:
- Horwood: Energy Secretary Chris Huhne played key role in Cancun
  Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Winter 2010 Challenge Now Available To Members
  The winter edition of our members-only magazine is now out, with stories about: Biodiversity The Coalition Promise to be the greenest government ever and introduce a floor price for carbon The impact of drugs on the environment The challenge of green technologies The potential benefits of a carbon dividend And the future of UK clean tech industry Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Chris Huhne On Progress At Cancun
  Cancún climate change summit: Chris Huhne says progress has been made But UK climate change minister is worried that deal could be undone by countries 'throwing their toys out of the pram' http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/dec/10/cancun-climate-change-summit-chris-huhne As an indication of how critical this is, Connie Hedegaard, the EU's climate change commissioner, said "If we leave Cancún without getting anything out of this, I think multilateralism has a problem." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 10, 2010:
- Parkgate rejection is right decision - Burt
  Solihull MP Lorely Burt has welcomed Solihull Planning Committee's decision to reject the controversial 'Parkgate' scheme that would have devastated local green spaces. Mrs Burt, who spoke against the proposals at the planning meeting last night, said: 'It is a great relief to me, and to the thousands of residents who didn't want to see their green spaces lost by this proposal. We would have been forced to destroy a ring of centuries old oak trees and many other mature trees and ancient hedgerows in the park to make way for an ASDA superstore. 'That isn't what we want for Shirley and, more importantly, it isn't what Shirley residents want for their area.' Lorely has now set her sights on putting together a fairer, greener and better deal to help regenerate Shirley. Mrs Burt commented: 'I've fought alongside residents for many years to make sure that this scheme is rejected. Now that this has happened, we can seriously look at a way to re-develop Shirley in a way that fits in with the needs and wishes of the people who actually live there.' Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 8, 2010:
- Tim calls for more to be done to protect Cumbrian hill farmers
  Figures obtained by Cumbrian MP, Tim Farron, through a parliamentary question show that average incomes for hill farmers in Cumbria have recovered from a low of £4,800 a year to £12,600 a year between 2008/9 and 2009/10. After years of struggle following the foot and mouth outbreak in 2007, the rise as a result of improved sheep prices is extremely welcome. However, with an average annual income of just £12,600, hill farmers in Cumbria are still earning considerably less than the national average for farmers working on less favoured areas, and they are a long way off their peak average income of £19,600 in 2004/5. The £12,600 figure is also lower than the average income of hill farmers in 2006 before the foot and mouth crisis. Commenting today Tim said: "I'm very pleased to see that hill farmers in Cumbria are starting to show real signs of recovery following the devastation caused by foot and mouth disease. However our hill farmers are still well below the average UK salary and barely more than minimum wage. "On top of that the significant increase in income seen over that last year is very finely balanced on the price of sheep which is constantly fluctuating and therefore our hill farmers' income could easily suffer from unfair decreases again at any time. This shows how vital it is that we have a supermarket ombudsman to regulate prices and protect those farmers in Cumbria and across the UK in less favoured areas." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 7, 2010:
- UK Should Aim For 60% Cuts By 2030
  http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/07/committee-on-climate-change-targets-uk "The UK would cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 under world-leading proposals from the government's advisers on climate change." Damian Carrington The Guardian, Tuesday 7 December 2010 There are three main tests of the coalition's pledge to be the "greenest government ever": 1) radical energy market reform 2) a strong Green Deal bill to overhaul energy efficiency in homes and 3) whether the government passes the 2030 target into law next year. Number 2 appears to be well on the way. We are hearing noises about number 1. Optimism for number 3 anyone? Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Can China Save The Planet?
  The Guardian reports that China is making some positive noises in Cancun http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/07/cancun-climate-change-summit-china "Some reports have even suggested that China, now the biggest producer of greenhouse gases, was prepared to adopt legally binding emissions targets and subject its voluntary C02 reductions to international monitoring and verification." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
- Mark Hunter: Miliband doesn't have clout to condemn Woolas
  Liberal Democrat MP Mark Hunter has challenged Ed Miliband to condemn the racially divisive tactics used by Phil Woolas in his General Election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth. Mark Hunter said: "It is becoming more and more apparent as the weeks pass that Ed Miliband just doesn't have the clout within his party to show some leadership and admit that Woolas was wrong. If he did he'd be shot down in flames by other Labour MPs. "I was genuinely shocked that Miliband didn't make a statement as soon as he became leader that this sort of racially divisive politics will not be tolerated. "For him to then make the monumental misjudgement of appointing Woolas to his frontbench team speaks volumes. "If Labour is to draw a line under this scandal, then Ed Miliband needs to shout from the rooftops that the kind of campaigning used by Phil Woolas - intended to 'get the white folk angry' - can never again be any part of Labour politics." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 6, 2010:
- Developing countries must find sustainable sources of protein
  Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder has urged governments in the Congo Basin to provide more sustainable sources of food for their populations. The staple food of the 24 million people living in the Congo Basin is carbohydrate crops, roots, and tubers - it is a diet very low in protein. The WHO recommends a minimum daily protein intake of 52g per person per day, and at present 92% of this comes from bush meat. Other sources of protein do exist but they come nowhere close to covering the needs of these 24 million people. Studies have shown that at current levels of consumption bush meat is not a sustainable source of food. In debate on food security during the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the EU and the ACP countries, Mrs Bearder commented: "Studies have shown that bush meat is not a sustainable source of food. If we continue to hunt it at current levels we will push many species into extinction." "Unless we find alternative sources of protein now, sooner or later there will be no bushmeat for already malnourished communities to hunt." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Dec 3, 2010:
- Farron says it's now time for fair trade for farmers after shocking report
  South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called a report that says 25% of farmers are living in poverty a 'major wake up call' and has called for urgent action to save the industry. A quarter of farming households live below the official poverty line with an income of less than £20,000, according to a Commission for Rural Communities report published on Wednesday. The report says upland livestock farms are the most likely to be affected, as well as those on tenant farms. For the majority, the ability to earn income off-farm is now essential to subsidise traditional livelihoods, the report found. Overall nearly two out of three farms had some form of off-farm income in 2008/09 and the total income from diversified activities was £300 million. Tim said: "This report was shocking to be honest and it plays out with what I hear at my weekly surgeries. I see farmers who struggle to keep going and just to pass on the farm to their children. It really is high time we give farmers a fair deal. I am doing all I can to make sure that their concerns are heard. We need a strong supermarket regulator as soon as possible and we need to provide fair trade for British farmers." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 30, 2010:
- MP calls for County Council U-turn on charity recycling credits
  Tim Farron MP is today calling on the County Council cabinet not to remove recycling credits from charities and community groups. In the County Council consultation document for the 2011/12 budget the County Council has proposed to remove recycling credits from Third Sector organisations all over the South Lakes. Many charities and voluntary groups run recycling schemes in villages for which they are given a small reimbursement for their time and effort. The Conservative-led County Council last week proposed massive budget cuts which will slash services used by people up and down the South Lakes. In the consultation document the County Council state 'This is a discretionary activity and as such, are proposing to cut the waste prevention budget by 50% in 2011/12' Tim said, "I am today calling on Eddie Martin and his Conservative-led cabinet to make a u turn and reinstate the recycling credits for charities in the South Lakes. I think this idea is beyond the pale - how can we meet our climate change commitments and support the fantastic work done by local charities if these cuts are made? To solve the financial crisis the County Council faces the current thinking seems to be pinching money here and there and closing their eyes to the real waste that could be cut. I think the sooner the council withdraw this idea the better." Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 26, 2010:
- To bee or not to bee?
  South East England's Euro MP wants the EU to support the beekeeping industry, as too many bees are dying early and there are fewer beekeepers across the UK. Bees in the UK and across Europe have been plagued in recent years by the double whammy of increased death rates and fewer beekeepers. Its a real 'bee crisis'. At the European Parliament Catherine Bearder today voted for a resolution calling for more action to step up the fight for Europe's bees. Catherine Bearder said, "Europe must address the problem of bee deaths. Quite literally, life on earth depends on it!" "It isn't just about honey. Without bees pollinating plants, plantlife and crops will be threatened. The food the world depends on to survive will not exist." "Our agriculture and biodiversity depend on these little insects we must find a way to save the bee. We need co-ordinated action across Europe in the field of research, information sharing, veterinary treatment, and the recruitment and training of young beekeepers." "62% of land in South East England is agrucultural and we have many beekeepers across our counties. We need to encourage more people in our region to try beekeeping and I hope that Europe will support them." "Bees are really important for the South East and I will do what I can to make sure they survive." The Joint Nature Conservation Committee currently lists seven species of bumblebee with "priority" status under the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan: the great yellow bumblebee, brown-banded carder-bee, moss carder bee, red-shanked carder bee, large garden bumblebee, short-haired bumblebee and shrill carder bee. Evidence of a connection to intensive agriculture is robust, with quantitative local surveys in southern Britain finding that bumblebee density and species richness are both generally lower in the more intensively farmed areas than in some open semi-natural areas. Some bees' habitats can also be adversely affected, as cropped grass severely affects the survival of surface nests. Pesticides (and some herbicides) may also be implicated, though this is unproven, and their effects are difficult to discriminate from other factors. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 25, 2010:
- Thameslink go ahead is welcome news for Southwark and the country - Simon Hughes MP
  Despite the many tough decisions taken in last month's Spending Review, the government has today made a firm commitment to seeing through the Thameslink Programme in full. This major rail project in Southwark and London and through London will be a benefit to Londoners and travellers from outside London alike. In difficult economic circumstances a delay of two years is a price worth paying to see the clear green light which has been turned on today. After nearly two decades of uncertainty we will soon see work begin to improve the surrounds of London Bridge station, and then to redesign the whole of the station itself. A great new railway station will hugely improve the built environment in the area of the Borough and at the Southwark end of London Bridge. There is also good progress in building the new station at Blackfriars, which will be the first station to span the Thames and give access from the north and south bank. The local community fought a long battle over the last 10 years to try to move the route of Thameslink to avoid Borough Market, and we still have concerns as to how the work will affect the success and character of this most historic part of London. And there are still issues to resolve if the South London Line is to continue to provide a through service between London Bridge and Victoria. This north-south rail link across London was originally called Thameslink 2000 and scheduled by previous governments to be completed ten years ago. Where previous governments have failed this government has made a commitment to deliver. Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Nov 24, 2010:
- High-speed rail would benefit Scotland - Jo
  Jo has emphasised the benefits of extending the High Speed 2 rail project to Scotland. Speaking during a debate in Parliament, Jo also urged fellow MPs to consider the advantages a potential route would deliver to their constituents. Commenting, Jo said: "I hope that the Government will press forward with a future extension to Scotland, and consider the huge benefits it would bring to many people here in East Dunbartonshire. "The arrival of a high-speed connection between the UK's major cities and Glasgow would herald shorter journey times, greater economic benefits and provide passengers with a greener alternative to domestic air travel. It is therefore vital that Scotland is not left out of the ongoing debate on the high-speed railway's planned route." Notes to Editors 1. The text of Jo's interventions in the debate are as follows: Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate. He makes a strong case, as one would expect from a constituency MP working on behalf of his constituents. Does he accept that there may be some benefits for his constituents? The alternative to high-speed rail is that people do not travel or-more likely-that journeys are made by air or by road. That has an impact on the environment in the form of air pollution, for example, and noise nuisance, which might also affect his constituents. Jo Swinson: The hon. Gentleman is making the point that the current rail network is not a truly free-market, capitalist system, but will he not accept that there is a role for the state to play in markets where there is market failure-for example, where there has to be a national network-as has been well documented by 23 Nov 2010 : Column 6WH many economists? Will he also confirm that he stood on a manifesto platform at the election that promised to "begin work immediately to create a high speed rail line connecting London and Heathrow with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds" as the "first step" towards achieving a vision of a "national high speed rail network to join up major cities across England, Scotland and Wales"? Jo Swinson: I am very much enjoying the hon. Gentleman's speech. Does he accept that building high-speed rail with a Y shape going as far as the north-west will bring benefits to other parts of the country, including Scotland? Extending high-speed rail to Scotland would cut the journey time from four and a half hours to more like two hours. Even as it is being built, it will start to decrease the journey times because people will be able to change trains part way through, if they wish. The full debate can be viewed online at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmwhall/01.htm Published and promoted by Green Liberal Democrats, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Jo Swinson

What would you like to do next?

Subscribe for updates

On a news reader website

In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

Help out or donate

Tell us what you think

Jo Swinson

What would you like to do next?

Subscribe for updates

On a news reader website

In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

Share this page

Help out or donate

Tell us what you think