Press release
Osborne's energy offer: I'll drop deep subsidy cuts as long as DECC backs gas
23 July 2012
Responding to the news that George Osborne has proposed dropping his push for deeper cuts to subsidies for renewables as long as Ed Davey gives his backing to a second dash for gas, Craig Bennett, Director of Policy and Campaigns said:
"The Chancellor's pre-election pledge that 'the Treasury will become a green ally, not a foe' has been completely trashed.
"He's now dancing to the beat of a drum being banged by a vocal minority of out-of-touch Conservative MPs who fail to recognise the huge benefits already being delivered by the low-carbon economy.
"If George Osborne gets his way Britain will be locked into expensive imports of dirty gas for decades to come.
"David Cameron must stand up to his gas-guzzling Chancellor and the Liberal Democrats must fight hard if they're to retain a shred of environmental credibility.
"The draft Energy Bill must include a target to decarbonise our electricity system by 2030 if we are to avoid a costly and high-risk dash for gas - and enable the nation to reap the enormous jobs potential of developing clean British Energy from the wind, waves and sun."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Details of the leaked letter from George Osborne to Ed Davey can be seen on the FT blog.
2. Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign, backed by 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.
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
Last modified: Jul 2012
