The successful passage of the Home Energy Conservation Bill through the House of Commons today is a huge victory for common sense, Friends of the Earth said today.

The Home Energy Conservation Bill, sponsored by Diana Maddock MP and supported by an alliance of environmental and fuel poverty groups, will now pass to the House of Lords. If there is no opposition it should pass into law this summer.

Dr Patrick Green, Friends of the Earth's Energy Campaigner said;

"Members of the House of Commons are to be congratulated. They have voted to take the first crucial step towards a national energy reduction strategy that will offer huge social and environmental benefits."

ENDS

CONTACT: Dr Patrick Green 071 490 0224 (wk) 071 241 3804 (hm)