A DEBATE on climate change was hosted by two government ministers in Thornbury last week.

Cabinet minister Edward Davey, the Lib Dem secretary of state for energy and climate change was invited to the debate on Saturday, November 29.

The packed meeting, held at the Turnberries centre, was organised by Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb to give people a chance to question and learn about climate change policies.

People heard the latest news on the international negotiations on climate change, as well as the latest measures being taken by the government to tackle issue.

There was wide-ranging discussion and a lively question-and-answer session on issues such as UK energy policy and the scope to get other big polluting countries such as the USA and China to take action in their own countries.

Speaking after the event, Steve Webb said: “I was delighted to see so many people of a wide range of ages willing to spend their Saturday afternoon thinking about a big long term issue like climate change.

“I know from my mailbag that many local people want to play their part and it was good to give them chance to raise their concerns with my colleague Edward Davey”.

Minister Ed Davey said: “I was impressed by the level of commitment to tackling climate change that I found among Thornbury residents.

“We had a very worthwhile debate about the next steps in the battle against climate change, and I am encouraged to see that so many local people care passionately about this issue”.