peter mandelson

A Guardian investigation has revealed that Asia Pulp and Paper has contracted the former EU trade commissioner Lord Peter Mandelson (aka The Prince of Darkness) as an advisor. Mandelson has an impressive address book but, as this case shows, little regard for how those he advises make their money. Clearly issues around illegality and the fate of Indonesia's rainforests don’t concern this particular Labour peer. 

Investing in offshore wind, energy efficiency and renewable electricity links could make us a packet and slash carbon emissions. But the government aren't showing enough ambition

This morning, 'slightly shady' business secretary Peter Mandelson and 'could do better' PM Gordon Brown hosted a low carbon summit to unveil their plans for greening the UK manufacturing sector.

In theory it sounds great. Britain could finally get a bit of the green technology pie, catching up with countries like Germany, where they've created over 250,000 jobs, or the USA, where venture capitalists are flocking to wind and solar start-up companies.

Unfortunately the government's recent attempts at greening the economy have been relatively pathetic. Grand aspirations aren't backed by action. Gordon Brown's recently unveiled financial stimulus package included less investment in a green economy than almost any other G7 country. Oh dear.

Part of the Climate Clinic blog

We stuck a snapper outside Manchester airport on Sunday, wondering if we'd catch any of our oh-so-green politicians letting the plane take the strain. When a silver Merc pulled up outside Arrivals and Jeeves stepped out, our guy asked if he was waiting for a big cheese. 'Er, can't say mate.' So who came waltzing out of the terminal?

Oh Mandy, who knew that you flew here from London?

And Pete, what kind of gent are you, letting your young aide lug all the gear? Having a bag-carrier, it's all a bit Old Labour isn't it? All a bit beer and sandwiches. I thought The Project was all about personal responsibility and a culture of respect. Hmmm...