David Cameron launched his Energy Efficiency Mission in his first set-piece environment speech since the election. Calling for a coherent environmental strategy from the DECC, Cameron re-stated his desire to be ‘the greenest government ever’. The Conservatives appeared divided on the green agenda during their party conference, with Chancellor George Osborne dismissing elements of environmental policy. Cameron responded to detractors saying “So, to those who say we just can’t afford to prioritise the green agenda now, my view is: we can’t afford not to.”
Cameron cited the need to do the right thing for our environment, but stated that this was also “the right thing for our economy too.” He closed with his plan to “make Britain a global showcase for green innovation and energy efficiency”.
Not to be outdone, Energy Secretary Ed Davey later took to the podium and pledged to “make Britain the most energy efficient nation on the planet.”