PM urged to deliver on green policy

WWF-UK took David Cameron to the Arctic in 2006 where he posed with a husky in an image that suggested his concern for the environment
20 November 2012

Prime Minister David Cameron's lack of leadership on climate and energy policy is allowing a "rogue pack" of Tories to undermine investment and jobs in the green economy, campaigners have warned.

Wildlife charity WWF-UK, which took Mr Cameron to the Arctic in 2006 where he posed hugging a husky in an image that suggested his concern for the environment, has demanded the PM live up to promises he made on the climate and clean energy.

WWF-UK has raised concerns over the Government's commitment to moving to a low carbon economy after statements by ministers including the Chancellor and new Energy Minister John Hayes which it says undermined investment in renewables.

Despite the Government's stated backing for low carbon energy, Chancellor George Osborne has thrown his weight behind gas power to provide future electricity and Mr Hayes recently called for an end to developing new onshore wind farms.

David Nussbaum, chief executive of WWF-UK, said: "On becoming Prime Minister, Mr Cameron suggested he would be the 'fourth minister' at the Department of Energy and Climate Change and that his would be the 'greenest government ever'.

"But since 2010, he seems to have lost his voice. There is a complete breakdown in Government energy and climate change policy, sending mixed signals to investors and undermining job creation.

"It's time for David Cameron to be the Prime Minister he told us all he would be and deliver on his earlier promises. His lack of vocal leadership on climate change and energy is jeopardising some of the most promising green shoots of recovery.

"The UK needs significant investment in green infrastructure yet he is letting a rogue pack within his party play politics with such an important issue."

WWF-UK is warning that a number of companies have pulled out of investments in the UK's renewable energy supply chain in the face of uncertainty over Government energy policy.

It cites General Electric's decision to put a multi-million pound investment in an wind manufacturing plant on hold and Doosan Power System cancelling plans for a offshore wind research and manufacturing arm that would have employed up to 1,700 people.

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