The Golden Toad is extinct

My commitment to Scotland's Independence is motivated by the belief (I'd say "knowledge" but it's time consuming having to read all the angry comments so i'll stick with "belief") that it not only makes economic sense (actually that bit's "knowledge") but it's absolutely the right thing to do in terms of maintaining and developing our culture and our contribution to the world.

It's not motivated by this idea that Scotland is treated badly by the UK. Scotland is treated how the people of Scotland vote for it to be treated. But .... you can see why some people (inc myself) get irritated by other UK attitudes toward us. The worst is when it's like we don't exist.

This morning for instance. A very interesting guy called Nigel was reporting to GMTV about global warming, the threat to up to a third of the worlds species (the golden frog is now extinct btw!) and why the goings on in Copenhagen are so important to the world.

"We're trying hard here in England" he says and adds "and so is America". So I'm watching BRITISH TV which is supposed to be aimed at a BRITISH audience, not purely England. And whilst I don't object to people talking about Scotland or England, I do think if you're referring to "we" and you're not on "regional" TV, you ought to remember that there are other parts of the UK and it's not just England.

You're broadcasting to the UK countries. You want to say something positive about our attitude to climate change. Given that one of those countries, ie Scotland, has very recently passed the MOST AMBITIOUS CLIMATE CHANGE BILL IN THE WORLD, you might think that was a worthy example. But no. "We're trying hard in England" was all he could manage.

I am sure this guy will know about it but when you believe that the UK IS England, it's very easy to forget that Scotland exists. He reported that the Golden Toad is now extinct but as far as I'm aware, Scotland isn't. Someone ought to tell this guy.

The sooner we get our Independence and start to play a full role in the world, the better.

I'll be back .... ing Scotland's climate change bill

Yes it's true, Scotland has passed world leading legislation on climate change and I got to vote for it! Today the SNP Government Bill was passed unanimously (after a million and one amendments - see last post!). It includes an 80% reduction in emmissions by 2050 with an interim target of 42% by 2020. The EU meets in Copenhagen in December to set European targets and Scotland is out front leading the way. Let's hope they all follow suit.

I can tell you that the international effects are already being felt with the support of Terminator himself Arnold Schwarzenneger. One time film star turned Governor of the State of California, said:

"Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. California has set aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets, but we need the help of the world to tackle the most pressing environmental issue of our time.

"Scotland's ambitious and comprehensive targets encourage other nations to step up to the plate as we look toward an international agreement in Copenhagen, and it sends a message to the world that we must act now and we must act swiftly."

I feel really proud of our country today - of all the MSPs who worked so hard on this, the civil servants, the SNP government and above all else, the hundreds of individuals who lobbied us tirelessly. We've all worked together to put together something that will not just enable Scotland to lead the way for once but will also do something significant to protect our fragile planet. It's been a good day.

Climate change bill

Well this is a new experience for me - the whole day in the Debating Chamber. You wouldn't think it would be tiring simply sitting there and pressing voting buttons but it is! I think it's because you're worried you might press the wrong button - people have been known to do it. And this is such a crucial bill (Climate Change) that you need to get it right. I think there are 145 amendments to the bill and I am finding myself checking, double checking and triple checking. It hurts my head :-(

Anyway we've had a brief lunch respite and time to go back so off we go.