Energy plans don’t go far enough say SW Greens

Published: 26 Jun 2008

Cllr Ricky Knight, the South West Green Party’s lead candidate at next year’s European election, today called on the government to show greater commitment to renewable energy after Labour announced its new strategy for the UK’s future energy needs.

‘It’s about time the government finally started listening to the British renewables industry. With the looming energy gap and soaring fuel prices now is the time for a renewable energy action plan and strong political leadership, rather than yet another energy consultation.

‘This strategy has come about thanks to energy targets set for us by the European Union. The Green Party has a strong voice in Brussels, so it comes as no surprise that the EU continues to be the driving force in making the UK cleaner and greener.’

Cllr Knight also wants planning rules changed to make it easier for green projects to get the go-ahead:

‘The government needs to take a firm hand with Tory and Lib-Dem local planning authorities who are holding back the renewable energy revolution. We also need to make it easy to connect renewables to the national grid, and guarantee long-term premium prices for everyone who invests in generating renewable electricity, from the smallest homeowner to the largest multinational.’