Unprecedented backing for solar campaign21 February 2012
The campaign to save Britain's solar industry has received support from a remarkably wide range of people and organisations.
They were united in backing Friends of the Earth's call for the Government to put solar on a stable footing.
Some companies have invested heavily in solar photovoltaic systems. That commitment has been undermined by the feed-in tariff decision - and so industry trust and confidence in the Government has evaporated.
John Cridland, Director-General CBI
Wide support
The campaign received support from:
Business organisations
The Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Business.
The Solar Industry
The Solar Trade Association and Solar Matters.
Trade Unions
The Trades Union Congress.
MPs from the main political parties
- Ed Miliband, Leader of the Opposition.
- Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party.
- Joan Walley, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee.
- Norman Baker, Minister for Transport.
- Tim Yeo, Chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee.
The consequence of the rushed, eleventh-hour consultation will be uncertainty among investors in all kinds of renewable energy.
Tim Yeo MP
Community and social housing organisations
- The Accord Housing Group, which manages more than 5,500 homes in the West Midlands.
- The Peabody housing association, which owns and manages more than 20,000 homes in London.
What we achieved
With such a broad coalition of groups and people expressing concern at the Government's illegal plans it's no wonder we were successful in securing:
- Substantially more money for the scheme.
- Government ambition to produce 22 times more solar energy than we do today.
How you can help
Our work on solar is part of our campaign to support clean British energy and a public enquiry into the Big six energy companies.
Please sign up to Friends of the Earth's Final Demand campaign. Thank you.
© istock
