Scottish Government dragging their wellies over new biodiversity strategy

Scottish Liberal Democrat climate emergency spokesperson Liam McArthur has today questioned the Scottish Government’s commitment to the planet as it emerged that the consultation on a new biodiversity strategy and its accompanying delivery plan is months behind schedule.

In response to a parliamentary question from Mr McArthur, Biodiversity minister Lorna Slater admitted “Our original intention was to consult on the final draft biodiversity strategy and delivery plan in Spring 2023 with a view to publishing the final strategy and delivery plan in in Summer 2023” but the Minister went onto confirm that these dates had now been postponed.

Responding, Mr McArthur said:

“Scotland is a beautiful country and we should be working to protect and enhance its natural assets.

“If the government is serious about boosting biodiversity and tackling the climate crisis, they need to stop their welly-dragging.  

“The draft strategy was finished months ago but stakeholders and organisations are being denied the opportunity to have their say. They will hoping that these Scottish Government proposals are less bedevilled by problems than the well-meaning but hapless deposit return scheme or the now abandoned plans for marine areas that were so hated by coastal communities.

“I want to see a government that recognises we live in partnership with nature and demands better for our planet. They should be investing in long-term peatland restoration projects; rewarding sustainable agriculture through payment schemes and ensuring that EU biodiversity and climate change funding is fully replaced."