Lib Dems hit out at “appalling” decision to delay climate change debate

Lib Dem Councillors Rob Hunter and Siobhan Hughes are demanding action on climate change

Bromsgrove Lib Dems have condemned the ruling Conservative Group's decision to delay an urgent debate on tackling climate change.

Lib Dem Councillor for Central Ward, Siobhan Hughes, proposed a motion calling on the council to declare a climate emergency and work with the local community to develop an action plan to reduce carbon emissions. But with only one hour allocated to discuss four separate motions at last week's council meeting, the council ran out of time before Councillor Hughes was able to bring forward the motion.

Bromsgrove Lib Dems along with the Independent Alliance and Labour Group voted to extend the meeting in order that the motion could still be discussed, but the Conservatives voted to reject the proposal to allocate extra time, opting instead to finish the meeting at 8 o'clock.

Councillor Hughes said: "This was an appalling decision. Climate change poses a real and urgent threat to communities across the world including ours here in Bromsgrove. Most of us recognise the need to act as soon as possible to protect the planet from further harm. I want to know what was so important that the Conservatives couldn't spare another half an hour or so to secure urgent action on climate change."

Bromsgrove Lib Dem Group Leader Rob Hunter said "I'm extremely grateful to Councillor Hughes for pushing this important motion through. The behaviour of the Conservatives tonight was completely irresponsible. As a result of their actions, Bromsgrove is now falling behind other local authorities which have already declared a climate emergency."