I urge minister to reconsider clean power

GIVEN the urgent need to tackle climate change, curb fuel bills, and bring new skilled jobs to East Sussex, I was disappointed that Energy and Climate Change Minister and Bexhill and Battle MP Greg Barker did not vote in favour of a clean power target in the Government’s Energy Bill last month.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Jul 2013, 06:00 BST

The Government’s independent advisers say that a target to take fossil fuels out of our electricity by 2030 is the cheapest way for the UK to meet its legally-binding commitments to tackle climate change.

A clean power target is also a huge opportunity to boost our stalling economy. More than 100 UK businesses say it will provide the certainty they need to invest in green industries, which could bring new jobs to East Sussex.

Without the target, Britain faces a headlong dash for gas, which would send household fuel bills soaring and see jobs lost overseas. Greg Barker MP must explain his actions to constituents.

Although narrowly defeated, it was good to see that some of Mr Barker’s colleagues did stand up for the right thing. I urge Greg Barker MP to reconsider the issue before further votes in Parliament at the end of the year.

Andy Atkins,

Executive Director

Friends of the Earth