Sanne Dijkstra-Downie
Scottish Liberal Democrats · Scotland
“The Parliament will be right to reaffirm Scotland’s commitment to net zero by 2045 and to call out the dangerous and ridiculous stance of climate change deniers—people who spread misinformation, undermine the evidence base and prioritise ideology over science. Regrettably, some of that thinking is represented in this very chamber.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗
“That was five years ago, when it felt like the world was finally waking up to those threats. It feels like a long time ago, now. Meanwhile, climate change continues to wreak havoc on communities across the globe and right here at home. Whether we live in Kinshasa or Craigleith, climate change is already affecting us all.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗
“In 2021, I spent a week at the 26th United Nations climate change conference of the parties—COP26—in Glasgow. I sat in on hours of negotiations, and it was in one of those large, tented rooms, filled with people from all across the world, that I met Martina, who was a delegate from the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗
“It demands accountability. The climate change plan that was published earlier this year is a step forward, and we acknowledge that. However, significant gaps remain on decarbonising homes, transport, agriculture and industry. We need action, not aspirations.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗
“That includes Scotland’s north-east, an area close to the cabinet secretary’s heart. The Liberal Democrats believe that the so- called just transition must be exactly that: it must be just, and it must be a transition, not a cliff edge.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗
“A recent report to City of Edinburgh Council’s education, children and families committee showed that there were more than 2,000 violent incidents in Edinburgh schools last year, which was a 43 per cent increase on figures from the previous year. Our schools should be safe places for pupils and staff alike.”
Scottish Parliament23 June 2026Source ↗