LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CITIES TOP SUSTAINABILITY LEAGUE TABLE

Julia Goldsworthy and Simon Hughes today gave their congratulations to six Liberal Democrat lead cities for their outstanding performance in Forum for the Future's annual league table of sustainable cities.

Liberal Democrat controlled Newcastle and Bristol came in 1st and 2nd respectively, and four more cities in the top ten are in Liberal Democrat control. They are Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds and Sheffield.

Commenting Julia Goldsworthy, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government said:

"I'd like to congratulate all Liberal Democrat cities who are topping the list of Britain's most sustainable cities.

"From Newcastle city council's leadership in handling the recession with its £300million capital investment programme and "Newcastle Futures" scheme to support the long-term unemployed; to Sheffield offering a programme of free loft and cavity wall insulation to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2020 and 60% by 2050, Liberal Democrats are leading the way.

"Lib Dem-run councils are showing what can be done with a localised response to the challenges our cities face across the country."

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said:

"It is fantastic to see Liberal Democrat cities at the forefront of building a sustainable Britain.

"If we are to be successful in tackling climate change, then cities and councils all around Britain will need to take a leading role.

"Today's league table of the most sustainable cities in Britain shows that where Liberal Democrats are in control we are leading the way in tackling climate change today."