GOVERNMENT LACKS GREEN VISION FOR WALES - ÖPIK

12.00.00am GMT Wed 13th Dec 2006

During the Welsh Grand Committee debate on the Queen's Speech, Lembit Öpik, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats today criticised the government's lack of Green vision for Wales.

Commenting afterwards, Lembit Öpik said:

"I am largely happy with the Queen's Speech. However, despite the Green rhetoric of this Government, it seems they have no Green vision for Wales.

"Wales has a promising green industry sector that needs nurturing. Unfortunately, this Government is non-committal and slow to invest.

"I firmly believe that given the right support, Wales can be the Environmental Capital of the UK. I only wish the Government had the same belief in the people of Wales."

In his speech, Lembit Öpik also warned against removing trial by jury and highlighted how expensive ID Cards would be for Welsh Citizens.

Commenting further, Lembit Öpik said:

"I am disappointed that the Queen's Speech favours centralisation and privatisation. I am also concerned at the authoritarian thread running through the Queens Speech, with recommendations for ID Cards and the removal of trial by jury.

"The Liberal Democrats favour decentralisation, liberalisation and a truly Green agenda. It seems the Government does not"

ENDS