British Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has urged the government to invest urgently in jobs that benefit the environment.
The Labour leader wants £30bn spent to support up to 400,000 “green” jobs in manufacturing and low-carbon industries.
The government says it will create thousands of green jobs as part of its overall climate strategy.
But official statistics show no measurable increase in environment-based jobs in recent years.
Speaking as he begins a two-day visit to Scotland, Sir Keir blamed this on a “chasm between soundbites and action”.
He and PM Boris Johnson are both in Scotland this week, showcasing their green credentials ahead of November’s COP 26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Criticising the government’s green jobs record, Sir Keir points to its decision to scrap support for solar power and onshore wind energy, and a scheme to help householders in England insulate their homes.
