Labour MPs rebel on energy vote30 April 2008
33 Labour MPs – half of the Government’s majority - voted against the Government in favour of an amendment to the Energy Bill which would have encouraged homes, businesses and communities to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels. Although the amendment was not successful it had drawn widespread public and cross party support.
37 Labour MPs - over half of the Government's majority - voted against the Government in favour of an amendment to the Energy Bill which would have encouraged homes, businesses and communities to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels. Although the amendment was not successful it had drawn widespread public and cross party support.
Friends of the Earth's Economics campaigner, Dave Timms said: "This vote clearly shows that Labour MPs are unhappy with the Government's appalling record on renewable energy.
"Feed-in tariffs could provide a real financial incentive for homes, businesses and communities to install green energy systems and help tackle climate change.
"There is enormous and growing support for a UK feed-in tariff. The House of Lords must amend the Energy Bill to introduce this vital policy for supporting renewable energy."
The amendment - tabled by Labour MP Alan Simpson and backed by Friends of the Earth - would have required energy companies to give long-term contracts guaranteeing a premium price for all renewable energy generated by homes, businesses and communities.
The scheme, known as a feed-in tariff, would make renewable technologies significantly more cost-effective to install.
The Government has said that it will look at a feed-in tariff as part of a review of renewable energy later this year. However they have refused to include powers in the Energy Bill to set one up.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Organisations supporting the amendment include: Friends of the Earth, Renewable Energy Association, House Builders Federation, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Federation of Master Builders, National Farmers Union, WWF, RSPB, TUC, Greenpeace, Country Land and Business Association, UK Green Building Council, Energywatch, Energy Savings Trust, The Co-op Group, Sharp UK, Solarcentury, National Energy Action, Solar Trade Association, Worcester Bosch, Ground Source Heat Pump Association, Unison, Public and Commercial Services Union, Lily Allen and The Premises Studios
For further information about Friends of the Earth, please visit www.foe.co.uk .
