Liberal Democrat Westminster Candidate Catriona Bhatia spelled out the many positive Liberal Democrat policies to address the global issue of Climate Change at the first Hustings of the campaign at Wiston Lodge, nr Biggar. Her comments and answers were well received by those who attended on Saturday.

Around 30 local people with an interest in making Wiston a self-sufficient “Transition Town” came along to the question time event and posed questions on many aspects of environmental policy including energy generation, Trident and food production. After the event Catriona said “The Liberal Democrats have always been seen as the strongest of the three main parties when it comes to protecting our environment and tackling Climate Change. We would tax polluting industries, and would also cancel the replacement for Trident, which would free up £100billion which could be put to better use; for example to invest in “Green” technologies, home insulation and public transport.”

Catriona added “The Liberal Democrats would also offer grants to householders to install micro-renewables such as solar panels, and we will make energy firms create “social” tariffs at lower prices for pensioners and others on low incomes.”

Finally Catriona noted “It was disappointing that the sitting Tory MP did not take the time to attend the Hustings at Wiston, particularly given the importance of the issue of Climate Change for future generations. It is just another example of Mr Mundell taking the voters of Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale for granted.”