Pressure is mounting for the government to rethink plans to savagely cut support for rooftop solar energy systems. A coalition of energy firms, investors and trade bodies representing the energy sector, including Energy UK, Panasonic, IKEA, the National Farmers Union and the TUC have published a statement calling on the government to urgently reconsider the proposed changes.
The move comes a day after Ernst and Young reported that the UK had crashed out of the top ten of its renewable energy country attractiveness index for the first time.
Earlier, Hilary Benn, the Shadow Foreign Minister called for the government to change course saying: “the very significant cuts being proposed by the current Government are likely to cost jobs and investment in the green economy”, while Boris Johnson declared that he is “very concerned” by the changes.
Friends of the Earth renewable energy campaigner Alasdair Cameron said:
“The government’s attacks on solar power could cost more than 20,000 jobs and billions in investment, and risk the UK falling far behind other nations in developing crucial technologies.
“For the first time in centuries the UK is no longer at the forefront of developing new energy technology and infrastructure, and government policy is responsible.
“The Treasury must urgently listen to those investors, entrepreneurs and MPs who recognise the strategic importance of renewable technologies like solar power, and it must work to support the industry, rather than destroy it.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The joint statement and the signatories can be seen here.
2. Details of the UK dropping out of the top 10 of the Ernst and Young renewable energy country attractiveness index can be seen here.
3. Details of Hilary Benn MP’s concerns over cuts to solar power support can be seen here.
4. Details of Boris Johnson’s response to these cuts can be seen here.
For press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
