Responding to today’s Supreme Court decision to reject the Government’s application to appeal against rulings - from the High Court and Court of Appeal - that its plans to rush through sudden cuts to solar tariff payments are illegal, Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

“This is the third court that’s ruled that botched Government solar plans are illegal – a landmark decision which will prevent Ministers causing industry chaos with similar subsidy cuts in future.

“The Coalition must now get on with the urgent task of restoring confidence in UK solar power.

“The Government recently pledged a huge increase in solar by the end of the decade; it must now spell out how it is going to achieve this.

“Investing in clean British energy will create thousands of new jobs and help reduce our reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.    The High Court ruled shortly before Christmas that Government plans to cut payments for any solar scheme completed after 12 December - 11 days before the official consultation closed - were unlawful. The judgement followed legal challenges brought by Friends of the Earth and two solar firms, Solarcentury and HomeSun, late last year. The decision was upheld by the Court of appeal on 25 January 2012.

2.    Friends of the Earth's legal challenge to cuts in solar incentives is part of its Final Demand campaign, which calls for energy we can all afford and a public inquiry into the power and influence of the Big Six energy companies. Find out more at www.foe.co.uk/finaldemand.

3.    Friends of the Earth is also urging Ministers to their promise to boost community solar schemes, to enable our schools, hospitals and housing estates to plug into the power of the sun.

4.    Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work.