Northern Ireland cabinet minister, Sammy Wilson has caused outrage among environmentalists after banning a climate change advertising campaign which he labelled as ‘propaganda’.
The Environment minister of Stormont, an outspoken climate sceptic, has blocked the ACT on CO2 TV and radio adverts produced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). As a devolved minister he has the power to defy the will of central government, yet the SDLP has called on a review of his decision in light of concern from environmental groups including Friends of the Earth.
In response, the Green party of Northern Ireland has tabled a motion in the assembly demanding his removal from office, the Belfast Telegraph reports.
Mr. Wilson rejects the criticism of his actions and said that the adverts which contain energy saving tips such as changing to energy efficient bulbs to reducing global warming were ‘patent nonsense’.
John Woods, from Friends of the Earth in Northern Ireland told the Belfast Telegraph:
“Mr Wilson’s antics do not reflect well on First Minister Peter Robinson’s judgment and have become an embarrassment to Northern Ireland. We urgently need someone in post that will take this job seriously.”
Stormont’s environment committee has since given passed a vote of no confidence in Mr.Wilson.
