The new secretary of state for Wales has deleted a post where suggested that man made climate change may not exist after criticism from opposition parties.
Monmouth MP David TC Davies was recently appointed to Rishi Sunak's new cabinet. Mr Davies has been known fo r several outspoken opinions on a range of issues including LGBTQ rights, immigration and climate change. In recent years however he has acknowledged out planets changing climate and the key role burning of fossil fuels has had in it.
However, on his website there was an article, presumably from several years ago, that described some views that could only be seen as climate change denial and contrary to the overwhelming consensus of the worlds leading experts. In the article he described spending money fighting climate change as "irresponsible" and wrote: "I am concerned that we are spending a vast amount of money on tackling man made global warming when the problem may not even exist."
Read more: Ten myths about climate change debunked
He also went on to parrot many other tropes put forward by groups opposing action to tackle the unfolding climate disaster. He said: " UK only produces 1.6% of total global emissions, less than China’s year on year increase." You can view a myth buster on views such as this here.
Plaid Cymru spokesperson on climate change, Delyth Jewell MS told WalesOnline: "This type of misinformation is dangerous and irresponsible. This website entry seems to suggest that the Secretary of State believes that human-made climate change is not real – it is the opposite of the leadership we expect and require from governments.
“I urge the Secretary of State to clarify whether he stands by this irresponsible statement. Does the Prime Minister endorse his secretary of state’s view?"
The criticism of Mr Davies comes as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that he wouldn't be attending the upcoming climate summit COP27 despite having promised this week to prioritise the environment.
Labour MP and shadow secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens MP said: “With the Prime Minister not bothering to turn up to crucial climate talks at COP27 and demoting Climate Change from the Cabinet, it’s little surprise that he’s happy to have climate change deniers around his cabinet table.
“Tackling the climate crisis is essential for our future, and brings opportunities to deliver lower bills, jobs and energy security across the country. A Labour government will put climate at the heart of our agenda for a fairer, greener future. Our plan for clean power by 2030 and the creation of GB Energy will not only make us a clean energy superpower, it will deliver the jobs, energy security and lower bills that are so desperately needed.”
When WalesOnline approached Mr Davies he reaffirmed his commitment to tackling climate change saying: “I have spoken publicly on many occasions about the fact that man-made carbon emissions are having an impact on the climate."
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