Scottish Labour wants to see real and serious action to protect our environment from the threat of climate change. Sarah Boycack (right) leads our team in this area and is our Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs.

ENVIRONMENT

Scottish Labour is determined to do all we can to support Scottish people in tackling climate change by leading by example, by supporting industry in developing and mainstreaming new technology and by providing support for lifestyle changes such as increased use of low-carbon transport.

That is why our MSPs have worked tirelessly to strengthen climate change targets throughout the Climate Change (Scotland) Act, demanding a tough target of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, to impose duties on ministers to improve energy efficiency and to provide a council tax rebate for homes that install insulation and microgeneration technology such as solar panels and mini wind turbines.

Scottish Labour forced the SNP to drop their damaging plan to privatise Scotland's forests.

RURAL AFFAIRS

Karen Gillon speaks for Scottish Labour on rural affairs. Starting immediately after devolution, Scottish Labour achieved history-breaking land reform which allowed local communities to buy out the land they live on.

We established the University of the Highlands and Islands, opening up opportunities for young people in rural areas.

We must ensure that support to farmers is targeted in such a way as to maximise rural employment while promoting good stewardship of our natural environment. In particular we need to reverse the decline in livestock farming by reforming the support mechanisms so they are relevant and effective.

We must make it possible for crofters to continue working the land, producing food in ways that protect the environment by providing access to programmes such as the bull hire scheme and croft house loans rather than forcing crofters to pay £250 to join a register.

We must ensure our fishing industry thrives through innovative fishing techniques and by securing a fair deal in Europe so that it can continue to provide affordable, cheap food for Scotland as well as sustaining rural communities.

We want to see more affordable housing, designed to the highest standards, for rural communities.