A motion submitted by Labour Councillor John Arwel Roberts calling for Anglesey County Council to declare a climate emergency was read to the Council at its meeting on Tuesday.

In addition to proposing the formal declaration of a climate emergency, a step that Gwynedd Council took a year ago, the motion called for the preparation of an action plan that would be appropriately monitored and for a halt to Council investments in fossil fuels.

In responding to the motion, the Leader of the Council, Llinos Medi Huws agreed that the Council needs to play a full part and show leadership on climate change.

She said that an appropriate action plan is important and asked for deferral of any decision until the May meeting of the Full Council so that a plan could be prepared. This proposal was agreed.

Andy Short, Chair of Anglesey Constituency Labour Party, said:

“We had hoped that the motion would be heard in December, but the General Election led to the cancellation of the meeting, so we are disappointed at this further delay.”

“Although all eyes are on the coronavirus crisis at the moment, in the long run it is the climate crisis that is going to decimate communities around the world.”

“Following the Welsh Labour Government’s lead on this issue, all public bodies across Wales have to play their part.”

“We just hope that this delay proves worthwhile, and that when the action plan is developed, it will ensure that all Council departments take the climate emergency fully into account.”

“We need to see better informed decision making, whether it’s in relation to planning issues, spending and investment decisions, or matters like the protection of trees and habitats.”

“When the motion is debated, we will be calling on all councillors to give it their full support, regardless of party loyalties.”

“We will also be calling for strict monitoring and regular updating of the plan.”

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