Climate Change Conference - a great success! (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Climate Change Conference - a great success!

October 2, 2006 12:00 AM

MEP Chris Davies sets out his environmental credentials.

Over 60 people attended Rochdale's first ever Climate Change Conference held at Richmond Hall last Saturday. There was a variety of guests including Lib Dem Deputy Leader - Vince Cable MP, Chris Davies MEP, Atifa Shah -Rochdale's Youth Member of Parliament, Frank Kennedy - Friends of the Earth, Councillor Anne Metcalfe as well as representatives from the Friends of Healey Dell and Save Spodden Valley Action Group.

Paul Rowen MP said, "The event was hugely successful and I would like to thank Friends of the Earth, Councillors and the residents of Rochdale for making it such a success. The good thing about this Conference was that people interacted throughout with various workshops. It wasn't just a series of speeches and everyone got involved - we looked at things we could do as individuals, as a Council and Nationally to combat Climate Change. People voted on the ideas and we will shortly be releasing the results of the Conference and hope to put them into action. The Windfarm Debate was especially popular and I would like to thank Councillor Anne Metcalfe and Ali Abbas from Friends of the Earth for their input into what was an excellent debate."

Vince Cable MP had to apologise for driving to the Conference after all the trains were cancelled from London Euston. Vince said, "I was being environmentally friendly by catching the train, unfortunately I was let down by the reliability of the trains and had to rush back to Twickenham to get my car or else I wouldn't have made it. Despite my problems travelling I was delighted to be involved in what I thought was excellent event. I recently attended a similar event in my Constituency and it is vital that we have these debates now. I hope MP's and Environmental Groups across the North-West follow Rochdale's lead."

Chris Davies MEP said, "I met many familiar faces at the Conference and I hope that some of the excellent points raised now will now be implemented by the Council. I spoke about my experience in the European Parliament and spoke about the need for cross-party working just like in Europe. Climate Change doesn't recognise political affiliation and we should recognise this and work together on this vital issue."