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media release
everyone -
Scotland's environment groups campaigning together (500,000 supporters,
26 organisations,
ONE voice)
TAKE ENVIRONMENT SERIOUSLY OR "FAIL TO PICK UP VOTES" -
NEW OPINION POLL
Monday 24 May 2004
85% of Scots consider the environment to be an important
political issueScottish political parties who fail to put the environment
firmly on theagenda
in June's European election could "fail to pick up the votes" from
the hundreds of thousands of Scots who consider the environment to be
an important political issue. The stark warning to politicians comes
in a new opinion poll published today (Monday 24 May) by the everyone campaign - a coalition of Scotland's leading environment groups.
Published to coincide with the everyone national hustings
debate in Glasgow this evening, the TNS System Three poll reveals that
85% of Scots consider the environment to be an important political issue,
with 47% rating it as 'very important'. In addition, almost half (45%)
of those asked said that a parties' commitment to tackling environmental
problems "will influence" who they vote for on June 10th.
everyone
coalition spokesperson, Fred Edwards, said:
“ It is clear that where a political party stands
on the environment could be the difference between electoral success
or failure this June. If politicians want the public to vote for them they must start putting
the
environment further up their agenda. The environment is just as important
as jobs, economy or health. If anything, a prosperous, healthy
Scotland is
highly dependent on having a good, clean environment. It is time for political
parties to demonstrate their commitment to the environment or fail
to pick up the votes of the hundreds of thousands of Scottish voters
who say
they care.
“The European Parliament plays a major role in helping to improve the environment
not just in Scotland but elsewhere around the world. If we are to tackle
international problems such as climate change and global injustice we
need a European Parliament full of people who are committed to such aims.
The public needs to begin to challenge all the candidates on environmental
issues. They can do that online, on the phone or face-to-face at this evenings event.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] The poll, involving 1022 adults in Scotland, was conducted by TNS
System Three between 15th April - 30th April 2004. The key findings
were:
The importance of the environment as a political issue:
47% - very important
38% - quite important
To what extent a party's commitment to tackling environmental problems
will influence your vote in the European Parliament elections:
18% - Much more likely
27% - Slightly more likely
[2] The Hustings will take place at Trades Hall, 85 Glassford Street,
Glasgow on Monday 24th May 2004 from 7-9pm. Free admittance. Media
welcome to attend.
The panelists are:
• Mr Alyn Smith (Scottish National Party)
• Mr Chas Booth (Scottish Green Party)
• Ms Elspeth Atwooll MEP (Scottish Liberal Democrats)
• Dr Nick McKerrell (Scottish Socialist Party)
• Mr Struan Stevenson MEP (Scottish Conservatives)
• Ms Catriona Renton (Labour Party)
[2] The everyone campaign is an initiative from Scottish Environment
LINK.
For more information go to http://www.everyonecan.org
• The campaign is providing user-friendly information packs and has
launched a campaigning website: http://www.everyonecan.org with briefing materials and information on contacting candidates.
• Campaign postcards and an e-mail advert will be circulated widely to
encourage people to get involved.
The everyone campaign is supported by: Association of
Regional and Island Archaeologists, Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation
Group, Biological Recording in Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland,
Cairngorms Campaign, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Hebridean Whale & Dolphin
Trust, John Muir
Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Mountaineering Council of
Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland, North East
Mountain Trust, Plantlife, Ramblers'
Association Scotland, Reforesting Scotland, RSPB Scotland, ruralScotland, Soil
Association Scotland, Scottish Countryside Activities Council, Scottish Countryside
Rangers' Association, Scottish Wild Land Group, Scottish Wildlife
Trust, Sustrans Scotland , TRANSform Scotland, Woodland Trust Scotland and WWF Scotland
[3] Following last year's everyone Holyrood election campaign,
the Scottish
Parliament saw an increase in the number of MSPs proclaiming
strong
environmental credentials. The Partnership Agreement signed
between the Labour/LibDem coalition also contained
a very large number of environmental commitments.
For more information: Lang Banks 0131 554 9977 or (pager)
07654 200937
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