McLaughlin: Dodds must increase ambition for green economy

SDLP jobs spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin has expressed disappointment at DUP Economy Minister Diane Dodds’ failure to commit to developing a new green economy.

Said the Foyle MLA: “I am extremely disappointed at the lack of ambition shown by Minister Diane Dodds when it comes to greening our economy.

“Her Economic Recovery Action Plan proposes a miserly spend next year of just £20m on greening the economy.

“This compares to the Scottish government allocating £2bn over the next decade, plus more on retrofitting homes to reduce carbon emissions.

“It is essential that the Economy Minister understands both the opportunity to create jobs by moving faster to the zero carbon economy, but also that at the current rate of limited progress it will be exceedingly difficult to meet our obligations under the Paris Accord of a net zero economy by 2050.

“Referring merely to ‘the start’ of a process is merely abdicating responsibility into the future.

“The SDLP is committed to environmental sustainability, bringing together job creation with lower carbon emissions and reducing fuel poverty.

“This is why we back the Green New Deal.

“I wish minister Dodds would do the same.”

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