The Minister joined Assembly Leaders in signing up to the Declaration, signalling the region's commitment to tackling the issue and formally making combating climate change the cornerstone of the South West Regional Assembly's work.

In an article in the latest Regional Assembly Newsletter, Ben Bradshaw MP said:

"I was delighted to able to take part in the Regional Assembly debate on climate change, and join the panel in discussing these issues. Members made some interesting points, many of which I will be raising with Cabinet colleagues.

"It was especially encouraging to hear consensus from the region and that the South West has signed up to its own declaration on climate change.

"Through joint working and developing ambitious policy, the South West must work to not only reach its targets but also benefit from developing renewable technologies and growing biomass and biofuels."

At the meeting last month, Assembly Members unanimously approved the development of a Regional Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans - work on which is now underway. Members also proposed to refresh the Climate Change Declaration next year to reflect progress in the region.

Ben Bradshaw's comments appear in the latest edition of the SWRA newsletter which can be viewed online www.southwest-ra.gov.uk.

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Stuart