LibDems welcome rejection of 'climate change denial' motion

10.55.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Sep 2009

Wiltshire Council Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decisive rejection of a motion to withdraw the council from a commitment to fight climate change. Only six Conservative and Independent councillors supported the proposal.

The suggestion that the council should withdraw from the 'Nottingham Declaration' drew widespread condemnation from environmental groups across the county and further afield. A demonstration against the motion took place outside County Hall before Tuesday morning's council meeting.

LibDem councillor Chris Caswill said, "The risks of global warming are clear. The likelihood of catastrophic events is established. Human action is increasing the risk and we must cut emissions. Signing the Declaration is a start but by no means enough. It's depressing that anyone on Wiltshire Council could doubt this.

Group leader Trevor Carbin said, "The fact that this motion has been put forward is an embarrassment for this council. The best thing we can do is reject it thoroughly and comprehensively so we can move on."

Councillors supported proposals to sign up to the 10:10 campaign, which encourages individuals, organisations and local authorities to reduce their CO2 emissions by 10% in 2010.