Edinburgh South Labour MP opposes a Government Commitment to 10:10 because the motion was proposed by the Liberal Democrats

11.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Oct 2009

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Fred Mackintosh has criticized his Labour opponent for opposing the widely supported proposal that the House of Commons sign up to the 10:10 campaign.

Fred Mackintosh said, "I would understand it if Mr Griffiths though that a 10% cut was not good enough or could not be achieved. That would make sense, but having read his speech in Parliament his only reason for opposing the sensible proposal that Parliament itself sign up to 10:10 is because the Liberal Democrats suggested it. How partisan and short sighted is that?"

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday 21 October Mr Griffiths said, "I cannot support the motion because it comes from a party whose record when in power at local level, as well as when not in power, is absolutely woeful...."

He then went on to attack the Liberal Democrat led administration in Edinburgh for being unable to find £38 million pounds to re-open the South Suburban Railway in the middle of the largest recession and collapse in city finances and land values in seventy years.

Fred Mackintosh continued, "The beauty of the 10:10 campaign is it makes us all think about our own carbon emissions and what we can do to change our lifestyles to cut them. Personally I have now insulated my loft, will try to eat more seasonal food and will continue to avoid flying, but each person and organisation can can find their own route. 10:10 should not be a party political issue which is why Simon Hughes opened his remarks in Parliament by applauding the Government for the Climate Change Act. Why could Labour not see that?"

Related Links:

Labour won't sign Parliament up to 10:10, but you can sign yourself up.

Read the whole debate and find out exactly how partisan Mr Griffiths really is...