A NEILSTON man has received the backing of Sir David Attenborough for his proposals for new National Savings and Investment (NS&I) bonds focused on tackling climate change.

Brian Weightman had asked East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald to support his idea of NS&I infrastructure being used to mobilise small-scale investors for a fund focused on green investments.

Ms Oswald and Brian then wrote to Sir David, seeking confirmation of his support for the proposal, before passing it to the Treasury and confirming the backing of the veteran broadcaster.

At the weekend, the Treasury announced that NS&I will launch a new ‘Green Savings Bond’ aimed at giving ordinary savers the opportunity to buy bonds which help support green projects.

Brian said he was delighted to hear of the Treasury’s plans to include his proposal in today’s Budget, as he believes there is a desire among the public to “do something about climate change.”

He told the Barrhead News: “This is fantastic news, I am so pleased this idea is being taken forward.

“I contacted Sir David for support because I know his involvement would attract huge public interest. I was over the moon to get a positive response from him.

“Whether the government is adopting my idea or not is unimportant, the important thing is that we need to tackle climate change and to engage all of our resources in the effort to do that.”

Ms Oswald added: “When Mr Weightman contacted me about his idea, it caught my eye.

“His proposal just seemed so much like the right thing to do and I was keen to take it forward. I was very pleased when Sir David replied, confirming he was happy for me to pass on news of his support.

“Given that 2021 is the year the world comes to Glasgow for the UN Climate Conference, I am sure there will be a real appetite from small-scale savers to top up much-needed government investment in delivering a green future.”