Reacting to David Cameron’s conference speech today (Wednesday 10 October 2012), Friends of the Earth’s Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:

“It’s good to hear the Prime Minister salute the fact that Britain is number one in the world for offshore wind and tidal power – but this has happened despite the actions of his anti-green Chancellor.

“The UK’s growing green sector could help us lead the world in developing a thriving and prosperous economy and create thousands of new jobs and business opportunities.

“The Prime Minister must challenge George Osborne’s fossil-fuelled economic strategy and a reckless dash for gas that will send the nation in the wrong direction.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.    Friends of the Earth is calling for our agricultural system to be overhauled. This must include:

·         An end to disastrous biofuel targets. We simply can’t afford to use valuable farmland and water resources to grow crops to make fuel. 

·         More efficient use of the world’s food resources. This must include shifting to healthier diets with less meat and dairy.