Greenpeace today congratulated Hazel Grove Liberal Democrat MP Andrew Stunell for supporting green jobs and growth in the North West.
Andrew Stunell this morning became the ninth Lib Dem to join a growing body of cross-party MPs calling for the Government to change its energy policy. (1)
In question is whether there should be a goal for carbon-free electricity by 2030 built into the Energy Bill going through Parliament. The goal is part of Lib Dem party policy but was left out of the legislation following pressure from Chancellor George Osborne and the Treasury, who prefer increased use of gas over clean electricity.
But Andrew Stunell has now added his name to an amendment that would see the 2030 goal put back in.
“It is fantastic to see people like Andrew sticking their neck out to safeguard green jobs and growth in the North West,” said Greenpeace Energy Campaigner Emma Gibson.
“There were more green jobs in the North West in 2010-11 than the motor and telecommunications trades combined (2), and across Britain, one third of all growth in 2011-2012 came from the low carbon sector.
“The 2030 amendment is crucial for continued investment and growth in low carbon goods and services, but George Osborne has tried to side-line it to clear the way for his dash for gas.
“It is people like Andrew Stunell who may just help carbon-free power become law, which will be cleaner, safer and cheaper over time. The Government’s own energy advisors have said that renewable electricity will be hundreds of pounds cheaper a year for the average household over time than gas.” (3)
Hundreds of industry leaders, investors, business and civil society groups have called publicly for the 2030 target. (4) An editorial in the Times earlier this month also backed it. (5)
The energy rebellion is expected to come to a head in a key Commons vote next month.
ENDS
For more information, please contact the Greenpeace press office on 02078658255
Notes to editors
(1) http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2251949/senior-lib-dems-to-join-crossparty-rebellion-on-decarbonisation-targets
(2)North West statistics:
- 93,909 low carbon and environmental jobs in 2010-11, compared with motor trades (58,100), financial services (100,500) and telecommunications (21,100). (Reference: Green employment data: Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), 2012, Low carbon environmental goods and services: report for 2010-11; general employment data: ONS, 2011 , Business register employment survey 2010
(3) http://hmccc.s3.amazonaws.com/ENERGYbill12/1672_CCC_Energy-Bills_bookmarked.pdf
(4) http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefing_notes/2030_decarb_for_against.pdf
(5) http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/leaders/article3710228.ece
