Lib Dems condemn Labour's plan to abandon renewable energy targets

4.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Oct 2007

Islington campaigners have reacted with anger to the news that Labour ministers are planning to downgrade the UK's renewable energy targets, and that they want to persuade other EU members to do the same. In further embarrassment to Labour politicians, the shock news comes in Energy Efficiency week, just as Islington Council, local businesses and campaign groups are pushing the green energy message.

John Sauven, director of Islington-based Greenpeace, said "Gordon Brown is now in danger of surrendering any claim to international leadership on climate change and would rather support nuclear power and scupper the European renewable energy target."

Bridget Fox, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Islington South & Finsbury, said "Renewable energy is green, safe and keeps our energy supplies independent. If the Government weaken on renewables, it will finally prove that Labour are not serious about fighting climate change, and not serious about protecting our future. International targets are crucial. The truth is out: Brown is not green."

Bridget is demanding that local Labour MP Emily Thornberry makes her position clear. "Emily Thornberry has already voted for new nuclear power stations, against the wishes of local people. She must come clean. Does she want to undermine green energy, or will she vote with the Liberal Democrats to defend it?"

Cllr Lucy Watt, Lib Dem environment lead on Islington Council added "Islington residents tell us they want action for a greener borough. That's why the Council has switched to renewable energy and is helping residents do the same. I'm shocked that Labour is going soft on this issue."

Islington Council, with other organisations through the Islington Climate Change Partnership, has already signed up to 15% CO2 reduction. The Liberal Democrat administration made headlines with its wind turbines on council buildings, and has also set up a Climate Change Fund to encourage renewable energy.