Storm Babet a wake-up call to climate deniers says John Swinney

Former deputy first minister says the destruction caused by Storm Babet is a wake-up call to climate deniers

John Swinney says there can be “no foot dragging” on tackling climate change after the devastation of Storm Babet.

Three people in Scotland lost their lives during the storm and many are unable to return to their homes because of the damage.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has visited Brechin, the worst-hit area, and says it will be a long road to recovery for those most impacted by the floods.

Some of the damage caused to River Street, Brechin by Storm Babet. Image: Andrew Milligan/Press Association.

Now the former deputy first minister says the storm needs to serve as a wake-up call for governments around the world to take action to tackle the climate emergency.

Mr Swinney said: “In light of the severity and the extreme nature, the imperative is on intensifying measures to tackle climate change.

“A key lesson must be there is no space in our political discourse for foot-dragging on climate measures.”

This was echoed by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, whose brief covers the government’s responses to emergencies like this.

She said: “That is a profound and fundamental point - there is no room for those who seek to deny the existence or the impact of climate change.

“We are living on the front line of climate change and ultimately the bigger task for us all is to work together to slow down climate change.”

Ms Constance also confirmed three councils (Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Perth and Kinross) have already approached the Scottish Government with claims relating to Storm Babet.

Conservative MSP Tess White, who represents the North East region, also asked the justice secretary when the money the government has promised Angus Council will be given to them.

Ms Constance was unable to give a specific date for this, but said: “Let me reassure Ms Whyte, we are focused on action as we move from the emergency response stage to the recovery stage.

“As she heard yesterday, we are committed to financially supporting them.

“These local authorities are in the throes of assessing the extent of the damage, but there are extensive discussions between the Scottish Government and our partners at a local level.”