LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn appointed a new shadow minister for climate justice and green jobs today.

In the new role Midlothian MP Danielle Rowley will demand the government increase actions to lower carbon emissions in line with its newly-adopted 2050 net zero target, ban fracking, allow onshore wind, and make bus travel free for under 25s.

Britain is still off track to meet its near-term targets in the 2020s and 2030s despite Parliament declaring a climate emergency in May, according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

Ms Rowley is expected to liaise with popular movements on climate change, such as Extinction Rebellion and the climate school strikers, to hear their concerns and discuss Labour policies.

On her first day in the job today she attended the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute in Midlothian to discuss solar energy. She also met with climate school strikers at Holyrood.

She said: “As a campaigner I’m really excited that I’ll be working more closely with the climate movement, including the inspiring youth climate strikers, to urgently move the issue forward.

“Since Parliament declared a climate emergency and adopted the 2050 net zero target the government has not introduced a single practical measure that will help the UK to lower its emissions.

“As a priority, I will be using my position to push them to immediately ban fracking, stop blocking onshore wind and extend free bus travel to under 25s.

“We need to kick-start a Green Industrial Revolution in the UK informed by diverse voices both within and outside of the climate movement.”