The UK government must stop cutting renewable energy funding and get behind the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy, a new report has claimed.
The report, jointly written by the TUC and Greenpeace and released this morning, states the UK should follow the example of neighbouring European countries such as Germany whose government last year supported enough projects to create 380,000 jobs.
The report continues that there is “much common ground between trade unions and environmental organisations” who want clarity and to see active support from government so the UK can become a world centre for low carbon manufacturing.
The report concludes with a number of policy recommendations which include developing clean technology apprenticeships, providing supports for homes to become more energy efficient and drawing up clear-cut “forward looking plans” for a low carbon future which involves “businesses, unions and communities alike.”
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The UK has the potential to be a world leader in low-carbon manufacturing. But this won’t be achieved by slashing support for renewable energy.
“Ministers should be learning from the likes of Germany, and getting behind the green economy. This is the way to create the high-quality jobs and apprenticeships we need to boost productivity.”
“David Cameron’s ‘greenest government ever’ remains a distant fantasy.”
Image: Selmsdorf 3 wind farm in Germany (BayWa)
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