MP condemns renewable energy u-turn (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

MP condemns renewable energy u-turn

October 23, 2007 10:00 PM

Local MP David Howarth has condemned Government plans to backtrack on renewable energy targets.

The Guardian today reported that a leaked Government document suggests that Britain should work with Poland and other countries skeptical of climate change to 'help persuade' the German chancellor to set lower renewable targets, before binding commitments are framed in December. Earlier this year Tony Blair signed up to a target of 20% of all European energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. Mr Howarth commented:

"The Government must not u-turn on renewable energy targets. We need real action now to reduce our carbon emissions and end our dependency on fossil fuels.

"Backtracking on these targets will show the world that Britain is not serious about tackling climate change."

The leaked paper raises concerns about the cost of targets and also reveals that although Germany has increased its renewable energy share to 9%, Britain's share is just 2%, far short of the EU target.

David Howarth and Neale Upstone outside wind turbine

David Howarth and Cllr Neale Upstone outside a wind turbine in Norfolk

Mr Howarth will be attending the 'Change the Bill not the Climate' demonstration in London on Saturday organised by Cambridge's Zero Carbon Society. The demonstration is pushing for a tougher Climate Change Bill setting targets of 80% reduction in carbon emissions rather than the Government's preferred 60% target.