Government support for green economy faces big tests in autumn

6 August 2012

Responding to a speech today by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in which he reiterated Government support for the green economy, WWF-UK said that the Government’s commitment to the sector would face big tests in the Autumn.

Nick Molho, head of energy policy at WWF-UK, said: “It’s heartening to hear a senior member of the Government give such unequivocal support for the green economy, although Nick Clegg’s suggestion that there’s no division in the coalition over the issue is slightly difficult to believe.

“The green economy is one of the few bright spots of economic recovery and the Treasury must stop trying to undermine it. We hope the recent infighting over renewable energy does not escalate into a larger battle over energy which would damage investor confidence and undermine growth.

“The big tests of the Government’s commitment will come in in the autumn, however, when the Government needs to deliver on commitments to decarbonise the energy sector by 2030, back our growing renewables sector and tackle emissions from transport. What we really need to see now is unity within the Government and leadership from the top.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. UK Trade & Investment: Government announces £100 million fund for green investment and welcomes new jobs (6 August 2012): http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/home/item/350520.html

For more information:

George Smeeton, Senior Press Officer WWF-UK
Tel: 01483 412 388, Mob: 07917 052 948, email: GSmeeton@wwf.org.uk

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