• Welsh Lib Dems call for national net zero framework
• Welsh Lib Dems demand fairer deal for farmers

Welsh Lib Dems call for national net zero framework

Today in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to build a national framework to strengthen local authorities’ climate action plans.

Currently, the Welsh Local Government Association receives Welsh Government funding to help local Authorities develop a climate action plan.

19 of Wales’ 22 local authorities have declared a climate emergency, with 14 of these having a climate action plan.

However, according to the Climate Emergency UK’s 2021 scorecard, Welsh local government plans received an average score of 31% compared to a national average of 50%.

Commenting, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

The Welsh Government’s net zero approach, whilst well-intended, lacks a clear framework for area-based climate action in Wales.

According to the Climate Emergency UK’s 2021 scorecard exercise, Welsh local authorities’ climate action plans received an average score of 31%, well below the UK national average of 50%.

With local authorities having influence over roughly a third of emissions in their local area, there is a clear need for a coordinated territorial approach.

We need a unified approach if we want to reach net zero within the set time zone.

By working together and establishing a coordinated national framework that can help guide local authority plans, we can take the first step in delivering a better tomorrow for us all.

Welsh Lib Dems demand fairer deal for farmers

Today in the Senedd, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to deliver a straightforward and simple farming scheme that works for both food producers and the natural environment.

The calls come following a debate in the Siambr which calls for the scrapping of the proposals made under the Sustainable Farming Scheme in favour of a more supportive plan for farmers.

Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:

I would like to reiterate my earnest desire, shared by many farmers across the nation, to make nature-friendly farming the norm here in Wales.

Climate change is already costing our farmers every year in damages and reduced productivity, making their futures even more uncertain.

By working with farmers in nature restoration and encouraging them to follow more diverse farming practices, we can future proof our food supply chain against the threats of global warming.

However, to garner the full commitment of our farming communities, we must be fair in what we ask of them.

We must offer a viable and sustainable scheme that aims to build resilience and bolster thriving rural economies. Whilst at the same time prioritising the Welsh Language.

Simple put, we must be fair.

The current Sustainable Farming Scheme offered by Welsh Labour falls dramatically short of delivering these key priorities.

The immense financial and mental toll that this complex and unworkable scheme has had on farmers and their families cannot be underestimated.

From attending numerous meetings and speaking with many discouraged farmers, I have witnessed rural communities’ complete loss of faith firsthand.

I recognise and welcome the ongoing consultation stage being carried out by the Welsh Government and encourage those with concerns over the scheme to continue to engage with the consultation.

What we need from the Welsh Government now is to rebuild trust.

We need them to work with, not against, our farmers to build a genuine dialogue about a sustainable future.