Charlotte MacKenzie

Posts Tagged ‘climate change’

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Charlotte challenges Tory on priorities

In news on January 18, 2010 at 2:08 pm

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth, Charlotte MacKenzie, today challenged the local Tory candidate to make known her real views on local priorities. ConservativeHome today published the top priorities of Tory candidates.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“This is a coward’s charter and it is not what Cornwall needs. The Tory candidates who responded to this survey put Cornwall’s priorities last.

“The issues they ranked as least important include affordable housing, better transport, new schools, protecting the countryside from over-development, and tackling climate change. Most people see these as some of their top priorities for Cornwall. I challenge Sarah Newton to confirm whether she replied to this survey, and if so to publish her response.

“Everyone can ask MPs and candidates for their views on climate change through Ed Miliband’s website .

“This is an own goal for local Tories – it is hypocritical to make promises they lack the clout to deliver, even within their own Party.” 

 

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Cornwall’s Cons – we can’t go on like this

In news on January 18, 2010 at 1:33 pm

The latest press release from Cornwall’s Tories claims of their plans to dispose of 48 office buildings and spend £12 Million plus on remodelling three main offices:

“Capital receipts from property disposals will be re-invested in better services.”

Whereas Local Government Association guidance published in October 2009 confirms the legal position:

“Councils can only use assets sales to finance capital spending.”

This fact was made clear to Cornwall Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 13 January 2010, and the Tory press release was published after that meeting.

While we are on the subject of Tory bogus claims, the fact that buildings which are no longer Council offices will not contribute to the Council’s carbon emissions may do nothing to reduce Cornwall’s carbon footprint if these buildings continue to be used by others without being retro-fitted.

What has happened to Cornwall’s climate change action plan?

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A cleaner, greener Cornwall

In Uncategorized on July 15, 2009 at 9:07 pm
A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and “smart” electricity meters are among measures being planned by Labour.
 
Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie has given her support for the Government’s Energy White Paper, which was released on Wednesday.
 
“I welcome moves to help us cut emissions – it is our responsibility as a country to do our bit. 
 
“But what is vital is that these moves are not just good for the environment. More fairness for bill payers and more jobs in green industries are vital. I am pleased that there will be more help for people to make their homes greener and save money.

“The boost for green industry is good news for jobs in Cornwall – we are the UK’s first low carbon economic area.”
 
Ed Miliband said:
 
“I want to thank Charlotte MacKenzie for all the campaigning she has done pushing the government to take action on climate change.
 
“Our Transition Plan pushes the pace of change. We’re providing new ways of helping people be smarter with the energy they use and enabling UK firms to grow by leading the world in advanced green technologies.  We will protect people on low incomes and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels imported from unstable parts of the world.
 
“I want the UK to be the first major developed country to convert to low carbon living, and the first to reap the benefits.  With less than 150 days left until global climate talks in Copenhagen, and with the challenges of coming out of recession, our Transition Plan will build a better, cleaner, greener UK.”

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Fighting climate change in Cornwall

In Uncategorized on June 27, 2009 at 8:40 am
Labour’s prospective MP calls for Britain to lead the way at UN climate change summit.
 
On 26 June the Labour Government published “The Road to Copenhagen”, Britain’s pitch for what the deal should include at the UN climate change summit in Copenhagen in December. This makes clear that Britain will be on the side arguing for action.
 
Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie said:
 
“Climate change is something we all need to be concerned with. People across Cornwall have got in touch with me on this issue. Worried about what kind of planet we are going to leave for the next generation.
 
“But if we do act, instead of these changes and what they mean for our homes and countryside, we could have a more stable climate and new jobs in Cornwall. Instead of it being treated like a government secret, the Road to Copenhagen document will be sent to schools, libraries, citizens advice centres and other places across Cornwall.
 
“I’ll make sure I get your opinions on what needs to be done. I’m playing an active part in developing the Cornwall climate change action plan. And I’ll make sure I tell Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what people in Cornwall are saying.”
 
Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said:
 
“This is make or break time for our climate and our future. With less than six months to go before crunch negotiations in Copenhagen, it’s clear that there is no ‘plan B’.
 
“The world’s got no option but to work together to get a global climate deal that’s ambitious, effective and fair.
 
“Our climate manifesto puts the British public in the front and centre of our efforts to get a climate deal.
 
“For people in Britain, getting a global deal now will mean reducing the risk of devastating future climate impacts and the huge extra costs that would bring.  But it will also open the door to big new opportunities to create green jobs and economic prosperity.
 
“So here is the challenge for Britain: we need to show the way to a low-carbon future, but we also need to get all countries signed up to acting as well. We can help tip the balance by our own actions and by persuading other countries to join a global deal at the UN meeting in Copenhagen, this December.”
 
For further information visit http://www.actoncopenhagen.decc.gov.uk

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Labour leads the way combating climate change

In Uncategorized on October 22, 2008 at 10:23 pm

Labour has taken action on the threat of climate change. Our Climate Change Bill will set a long-term legal framework for reducing emissions for the first time. Labour believes a global deal will only be possible if Britain plays its part, leading the way with other developed countries.

Labour’s prospective MP for Truro and Falmouth Charlotte MacKenzie says

“The Bill will make us the first country in the world to put carbon reduction targets into law.

“The appointment of Ed Miliband MP as Britain’s first Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change gives action on climate change a stronger voice in Government and shows our commitment to taking on one of the greatest challenges the world faces.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the Government has listened to the local groups in Cornwall, including Truro and Falmouth Labour Party, who urged them to increase the target to reduce greenhouse gases, and to include aviation and shipping emissions in our efforts to tackle climate change.

“This is not something that can be put on hold because of the credit crunch. Growing the green sector will encourage new investment in businesses and home energy in Cornwall, and strengthen the local economy.

“Our greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 will not be 60 per cent lower than 1990, but 80 per cent lower. I’m pleased that the government has taken this action and that the target will be set in law.”

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Truro councillors vote for green energy

In Uncategorized on November 26, 2007 at 12:43 pm

Truro councillors Charlotte MacKenzie and Lindsay Southcombe have gained broad support for their proposal that Truro City Council should promote green energy. The Council supported the proposal in principle, and agreed councillors should have the opportunity to undertake a training course about green energy before finalising details of the new policy.

Labour Councillor Charlotte MacKenzie said “I’m really pleased that this proposal has attracted general support. Local councils have an important role to play in helping Truro’s community take action to mitigate climate change. It’s sensible that councillors want to brief themselves before taking a decision on some of the more detailed proposals.”

“Energy efficiency and community owned microgeneration not only help the fight against climate change, but can also get people out of fuel poverty” added Councillor Lindsay Southcombe. ”We are uniquely placed in Cornwall to take advantage of renewable sources of energy and it could provide sustainable business opportunites”.

It is thought that Truro City Council will be the first parish council in Cornwall to take up new powers under the Climate Change and Microgeneration Act 2006. The successful proposal is a result of councillors from different parties working and voting together.

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Climate change report welcomed

In Uncategorized on August 3, 2007 at 12:23 pm

Truro and Falmouth Labour Party welcomes the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the draft Climate Change Bill, published today.

Charlotte MacKenzie said “We sent comments to the Committee and consultation calling for the Bill to set out a role for local government leadership on this issue, and highlighting the importance of air and sea emissions being covered by the Bill. We are delighted the Committee has recommended a clear role for local government in promoting change. The report also stresses the urgency of addressing legal and other complexities so that air and sea emissions can be included. We think it is vital air and sea emissions are included in national and international action to reduce emissions.”

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Call for communities to act on climate change

In Uncategorized on June 18, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Truro and Falmouth Labour Party sent a response to the consultation on the Climate Change Bill which is currently being considered by Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of Truro and Falmouth Labour Party, Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“We support the international leadership Labour is providing on climate change, and proposed targets for the UK. However, we want the draft Climate Change Bill to do more. It’s vital to tackle emissions from air and sea travel. Also we would like more local councils to adopt measures to tackle climate change, and the Bill could promote that.”

“Some local communities in Cornwall are taking the initiative through groups like Transition Falmouth or by becoming climate friendly villages. We want our local councils to do more. For example, we would like Carrick District Council to establish neutral or low carbon impact planning targets for developers. The Tories and Liberal Democrats are dragging their feet on this issue.”

There is still time to contribute to an online web forum about the role of local government in tackling climate change at http://forums.parliament.uk/climate-bill until Thursday 21 June.

For more information please speak to Charlotte on 01872 261675.

 

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