6. 6. Statement: Energy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:54 pm on 26 September 2017.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 5:54, 26 September 2017

I thank Julie Morgan for those questions. You’re absolutely right about climate change; we’ve obviously got a long-standing commitment around climate change. We’re only a small country, but I’m very proud of the commitment that we’ve given on the action that we take on climate change. You mentioned Germany, and certainly, out in Marrakesh at COP22, to talk to some of the very small regions about the fantastic work they were doing around decarbonisation and renewable energy was incredible. Some of the targets they have set were—again, like ours—very ambitious, and it was good to hear how they were achieving those targets.

I certainly do think there is a role for local government, and you mentioned the project in your own constituency of Cardiff North. I opened a hydro scheme that had been done in conjunction, again, with the community, the developer and also with—I think it was Merthyr Tydfil council. So, I think certainly local government do have a role to play.

You will have heard my earlier answer to Simon Thomas that we haven’t absolutely closed the door on it; I just took the advice following the events that were held in March, and at the current time I don’t think it’s the right time for us to do that, but certainly we can look at it. And if it’s possible to have it as part of the consultation, I’ll be very happy to do that.