6th July 2009 - Local MEP urges Barnsley to seize opportunities

Speaking at Northern College this Saturday, local Labour MEP Linda McAvan urged Barnsley to seize the opportunities presented by climate change in the way that the town benefited from the industrial revolution.

Ms McAvan was addressing a conference at the college looking at the relationship between international events and adult education.

As one of the leading Euro-MPs on climate change legislation, Linda urged those at the conference not to look at the changing climate just as a problem, but also as an opportunity. She pointed to new technologies that will save people money, more energy efficient home leading to cheaper fuel bills and more efficient cars that will mean lower bills at the pump.

Linda said;

 "These new technologies give us the chance locally of new green jobs. This region, Barnsley and “King Coal”, was at the heart of the last industrial revolution. Our area can have key role to play in the next green industrial revolution. It is a great chance to play a crucial part in championing the great social cause of our time. It is a fight for international social justice.”