Turnout in Glasgow shows true strength of feeling

The SNP MEP who will be in Copenhagen for the climate change talks to begin next week has slammed the UK Government for denying Scotland a full role in these historic discussions.

The Scottish Government's Climate Change Act, passed earlier this year, is the most ambitious in the industrialised world, committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 per cent by 2050.

Commenting, Alyn Smith MEP who joined protestors in Glasgow today said: "I was proud of Scotland today and proud to march alongside thousands of people of all politics and none, united by a common hope for a better result than politics usually delivers.

"The great turn-out in Glasgow today shows the strength of feeling among Scots - and lends further credibility to the case for the Scottish Government to play a full part in next week's talks.

"Given Scotland's world-leading framework for tackling climate change, it is outrageous that the UK Ministers have sidelined the Scottish Government from the Copenhagen conference. Even at this late stage, they must reconsider.

"Around the world, countries are beginning to listen. Having led the way thus far, Scotland simply must not be silenced by London Labour.

"This whole situation underlines exactly why Scotland must be independent - so that we can have our own seat at the top table."

Note:

Alyn Smith will also be sending a briefing paper on Scottish Government action to tackle climate change and secure a sustainable energy supply to all MEPs and European missions in Brussels in advance of the talks next week.