MPs rebel over clean energy target4 June 2013
Backbench Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs defied their parties today to support the inclusion of a clean power target in the Energy Bill.
Although the vote was narrowly defeated, the target was backed by the Labour Party, the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Green Party, as well as Government rebels.
Clean power target
The set of amendments to the Bill proposed by MPs Tim Yeo and Barry Gardiner would have introduced a target to take the carbon out of our electricity by 2030.
The amendments were backed by over 200 green businesses, trade unions, charities and faith groups. The inclusion of a target is seen as key for tackling climate change and securing further green investment and jobs.
Green credibility
The fight now moves to the Lords, where peers from all parties, cross benchers and bishops are expected to back power sector decarbonisation.
The Liberal Democrat leadership's green credibility has been left in tatters after siding with the Conservatives to back a headlong dash for gas - this would send fuel bills rocketing and jobs overseas, and punch a gaping hole in our climate targets.
With significant numbers of MPs defying the party whip to join the Opposition by voting for clean power, this issue will not go away.
Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins
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