Reacting to Ed Balls' speech today (Monday 23 September 2013) at the Labour Party Conference, Friends of the Earth's Director of Policy and Campaigns Craig Bennett said:

"The Shadow Chancellor understands that the only long-term plan which works for Britain has low-carbon growth as its cornerstone.

"Mr Balls' promise to let the Green Investment Bank borrow to invest and bring in a 2030 target for clean energy is exactly what we need to restore battered investor confidence.

"But with living standards falling, Mr Balls should've backed a nationwide insulation programme to cut bills, which would be a far more prudent use of cash than HS2. 

"Tomorrow, Ed Miliband must put low-carbon at the centre of his speech and take the opportunity to slam the Government's green record so far."

ENDS