Manchester MP will table amendment to Energy Bill

10 March 2011

At the meeting John Leech confirmed that he'll be tabling an amendment to the Energy Bill when it reaches the House of Commons.

Over 40 people attended the meeting where speakers included John Leech MP and Katie Brandon from the Manchester Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Group (SNAG).

The meeting focused on the Energy Bill as well as on local environmental issues, and questions on the evening included ones on nuclear power, the Green Investment Bank and recycling in Manchester.

John Leech told the meeting:

The coalition needs to be very ambitious if it is serious about climate change and a lot further than may be possible in the current economic climate. The government's record on continued rail investment shows at least a part commitment to climate change.

Dave Timms, Friends of the Earth UK Climate and Energy Campaigner, speaking at the meeting highlighted the effect of the cuts on green schemes and called on the Government to strengthen the Energy Bill.

Cost-effective measures like insulating homes and installing renewable energy would:

• Create jobs
• Reduce CO2 emissions
• And cut energy bills

Leech also spoke of his opposition to the fuel stabiliser saying he would "prefer that money to be spent on public transport rather than giving it back to the oil companies."

Ali Abbas, from Friends of the Earth Manchester said:

The Energy Bill is an acid test of David Cameron's pledge that this will be the greenest government ever. But this is not just about the environment, it's also about creating jobs in the local community and helping those who are suffering from fuel poverty and can no longer afford to heat their homes properly.

Congratulations to the group on organising a fantastic event and bringing climate change, warmer homes and green jobs to the top of the agenda!

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