This morning the Prime Minister walked back his Trade Minister blaming the Greens, and is now blaming journalists, over an official complaint laid at the European Union over his Government breaching the EU-NZ Trade Agreement.
“Luxon's Government is blaming everyone else for the consequences of their own decisions to shred climate action, instead of looking in the mirror and doing the right thing,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
“The Greens have spent the entire term of Parliament warning about the real-world impacts of this Government's undermining climate action and our international commitments.”
“We've tried to engage directly with Ministers, sought accountability through Question Time, Scrutiny Week, OIAs, Parliamentary Written Questions and even commissioned independent advice to sound the alarm. Every single time, the Government has deflected and said there's nothing to see here.”
“They've lied to New Zealanders about upholding climate action, as we pointed out in their very first month in office, way back in December 2023.”
“There are consequences for this reckless destruction. This week, a European organisation laid an official complaint with the European Union about the Government's actions breaching the EU-NZ Trade Agreement.”
“Todd McClay then blamed the Green Party, with zero evidence to support his bizarre claim. The Prime Minister rightfully walked it back today, but then went on to blame journalists.”
“Any risk to exporters comes from decision this Government has made, and no one else.”
"The worst absurdity of all of this is that the most fired up the Government has got on climate action is trying to cover their tracks by attacking everyone else, instead of doing the responsible thing.”
“It's past time to stop this nonsense. Climate action is critical for lowering the cost of living, supporting jobs, building resilience and for access to our export markets. That's why the Greens have a plan to support a real economy that works for all of us,” says Swarbrick.