Reacting to news today of Government tax breaks to bolster North Sea oil and gas (Friday 7 September 2012), Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

“The Chancellor should be urgently trying to wean the economy off fossil fuels, not subsidising its addiction.

“Cash-strapped households and businesses have been struggling with the soaring cost of gas and oil for years – and with experts predicting future price hikes, a long-term approach is needed.

“It’s time to stop scraping the bottom of the barrel on energy policy - we should invest in clean British energy from the wind, waves and sun as well as cutting waste to create jobs and give us power we can all afford.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.            Treasury press release: Chancellor announces further action to stimulate investment in North Sea