Green jobs push would give Wales a competitive edge

12.48.55pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 20th Mar 2006

Kirsty Williams AM has called on the Labour Assembly Government to put green jobs at the heart of Wales' future prosperity.

Speaking ahead of the Welsh Liberal Democrats minority party debate on Tuesday, Ms Williams said stimulating green jobs was the key to making sure Wales gained every advantage from its position.

She said: "The consultation document for the new economic development strategy (WAVE) fails to give proper prominence to green jobs. It highlights Labour's lack of commitment to sustainable development.

"In recent months and years Wales has lost thousands of manufacturing jobs.

We have recently seen a downturn in the service sector too. Wales is a small country, competing in a global market. We cannot compete with lower-wage economies - the only option is to claim our niche, use Wales' natural advantages.

"At present the minister has no idea how many green jobs have been created in Wales in recent years. In Scotland - where the Liberal Democrats are in power with Labour - they have moved forward and taken the lead on this issue. They are pressing ahead, while we are falling behind.

"Wales' government is one of just three in the world that has a legal commitment to sustainable development. We must use this as a lever to improve our productivity, and profitability - and not just in obvious green sectors like renewable energy, but across all sectors.

"Going green isn't about extra regulation, nor is it about being worthy do-gooders. Going green is an economic opportunity, and needs to be sold to business that way. It is a chance for our companies in Wales to cut costs, to expand in to new markets, and beef up our economy to match the best of the rest in Europe.

"The Minister has a golden opportunity as he works on the final version of the WAVE economic development strategy to get it right. To give Wales the competitive advantage it needs.

"By promoting green jobs, we would be promoting the economy and building a brighter future."