A New Green Deal Would Create 50,000 Green Jobs - Alliance

A Green New Deal for Northern Ireland would create 50,000 green jobs as well as bringing a range of changes addressing environmental, societal and economic changes, according to Alliance MLA Andrew Muir.

The North Down MLA was speaking after the Assembly backed an Alliance motion calling for the Executive to introduce a policy.

He said: "There are examples through history of societies emerging from times of crisis through bold initiatives to tackle the major issues of the day, such as the original New Deal after the Great Depression and the creation of the NHS after World War II.

"Emerging from the COVID pandemic, we have an opportunity to tackle the climate emergency while creating new jobs and building a just and inclusive society. The situation demands a bold vision and strong leadership, which the Alliance Green New Deal provides. It is crucial the Executive grasps this chance for change and begins work on such a policy for Northern Ireland.

"Of course, the Executive cannot tackle the climate emergency alone but it does have it within its power to start. While everyday life has often felt at a standstill since the beginning of this crisis, the climate change has continued to accelerate. We cannot afford to wait any longer and a regionally balanced green new deal can go a long way to tackling it, benefiting all of us and future generations."