The Green Agenda has failed to receive significant mainstream press during the various party conferences. With financial reform taking the major headlines, sustainability has been somewhat neglected. Parker Wilson Sustain LLP have been monitoring the major parties’ speeches to bring you the highlights.
The Conservatives have come under attack from Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander regarding their handling of green investment. Both accused the Tories of endangering millions of pounds worth of funding by back-tracking on promises regarding support for sustainable development.
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey stated that the opportunity for ‘green growth’ was, “… much, much bigger than than many realise.”
Critising Labour’s green track record he said, “I have no time for the sceptics who say we can’t afford green investment. So it’s good that the Government’s growth push is on building – like railways, like housing.” He also claimed that half of the current planned expenditure for infrastructure was ear-marked for the energy sector.
Davey also cited green industry as a stimulant for the ailing economy, outlining the Lib Dems’ aim to create the world’s first low carbon electricity market, funded by private investment in an industry that affects every household.
Comedian Eddie Izzard addressed the Labour conference today, saying that “too many” households face the “stark reality” of having to choose between paying their bills or feeding their family. He also talked of the need for dialogue on “sustainable communities”, particularly jobs and living standards.
David Miliband committed Labour to decarbonising the UK’s power sector by 2030 and again cited green industries as a potential stumulus for the wider economy. In a forthcoming article to be published in a leading think tank journal, the Labour leader, a former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, writes, “This is the time to stand proud and declare that we want to lead the world in the low carbon, resource efficient technologies of the future.”
He also warned that the current structure of the Green Investment Bank is destined to fail thorugh insufficient funding.
The Tory conference starts next week so watch this space for further updates…