ALL over the country we are seeing the dangers of not taking action on climate change, as we face more flooding and extreme weather.

Meanwhile, the ‘recovery’ shows little promise of creating a fairer, greener economy. Even countries like China and India are ahead of Britain where it comes to green technologies and services.

I believe green issues go hand in hand with a strong economy. That is why Labour have promised to put the environment at the heart of our platform.

We will make the UK a world leader in green technology, and in doing so create a win-win situation for people up and down the country by bringing together jobs, a clean environment and energy savings for industry and households.

Labour will support the development of a Green Investment Bank, with powers to borrow and drive innovation in green technology. Investment in this vital area will create one million jobs, ensuring that a green economy is a fair economy, providing better employment opportunities to people throughout the country.

The Scottish trade union movement support the introduction of Environmental Representatives in Scottish public sector workplaces, a progressive step still not taken up by the Scottish government.

Labour want to create not just jobs in green technologies but careers, in line with what the STUC are promoting, and of course match these aspirations with suitably funded research and development. It is a disgrace that other parts of the UK spend three times the money Scotland spends on this area.

Reducing energy consumption is a top priority for businesses and can only become more important as we develop the industries of the future.

Energy efficiency for homes will be a key priority for the next Labour government. We need to not only insulate our existing homes, but build new energy efficient houses as well.

This is what Labour plan to deliver if we win the next election. No other party has pledged to support investment in green technology and the transition to a carbon free economy as we have.

Labour will see environmental issues at the heart of our economy, ensuring a cleaner, fairer recovery for all.