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Vestas wind turbine plant protest - save our green jobs
22 July 2009
Commenting on the sit-in protest at the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant on the Isle of Wight, Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Nick Rau said:
"It's an absolute tragedy to allow England's only wind turbine manufacturing plant to close - the UK has the best wind resources in the whole of Europe and we should be creating green energy jobs, not shedding them.
"If we are going to build the wind farms urgently needed to cut UK carbon emissions, someone has got to manufacture the components.
"Why hasn't the Government supported Vestas as it has the car industry - and taken enough action to keep wind turbine manufacturing jobs here in the UK?
"The Government needs to set up a Green Infrastructure Bank to provide affordable finance for renewable energy industries to really take off and deliver the prosperous low-carbon economy Ministers have promised."
Notes to Editors
1.There are only a few days left to save the Vestas plant. Friends of the
Earth is encouraging people to take online action to save the Vestas plant by lobbying Lord Mandelson via Friends of the Earth's website. For more information see http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/vestas_petition_20414.html
2. Friends of the Earth welcomed the publication of the Government's low
carbon strategy last week but highlighted areas of concern.
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/low-carbon_strategy_15072009.html
In particular the Government must listen to scientific advice and agree to cut UK emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 - and ensure these targets are met by real action at home and not by buying offsets from abroad.
3. Friends of the Earth has called for a Green Infrastructure Bank to
guarantee the delivery of low carbon investment via loans, loan guarantees and direct investment.
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: Aug 2009
