Press release

Miliband backs decarbonised electricity plan

22 September 2012

Welcoming Ed Miliband's call for the forthcoming Energy Bill to contain a clear commitment to decarbonise the electricity system by 2030 - as called for by the Government's official climate advisor, the Committee on Climate Change - Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"This is exactly the type of leadership that's urgently needed - politicians from all parties must stand up to George Osborne and his reckless dash for gas.

"Ed Davey must also face up to his responsibility to heed the Climate Committee's advice - and face down the anti-green Chancellor.

"The Energy Bill must contain a clear target for decarbonising the UK electricity sector by 2030, to tackle climate change, create jobs and wean our economy off dirty and expensive fossil fuels.

"Investing in clean British energy from the wind, waves and sun and slashing energy waste is the best way to tackle soaring fuel bills and give us power we can all afford."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.    Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband MP, has argued for a robust global plan for the development of a low carbon economy and highlighted that governments across the world should commit to a decarbonising the energy sector by 2030. In an article for Green Alliance's journal Inside Track - published Saturday 22 September 2012 - Mr Miliband argues that "investing in the infrastructure for a low carbon economy will both kick start the growth that is currently missing and make our economy resilient to price shocks in an age of scarcity.

2.    Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign, backed by Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, is urging the Government to listen to the public and transform our broken energy system by developing clean and affordable power from our wind, sun and water. For too long the Big Six energy companies have locked Britain into importing costly gas and coal - causing our fuel bills to rocket. Now 85% of the public would back new Government legislation to make power companies generate more of our electricity from home-grown renewable energy. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs. To find out more and back the campaign, visit www.cleanbritishenergy.co.uk

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust