Brown indulging in “the worst form of Greenwash”

 

Mike Weir MP, SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson, has reacted angrily to reports today (Saturday) that the UK government is trying to avoid its commitment to European green energy targets by counting overseas investments towards the UK’s target.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“Once again we hear Gordon Brown making grand announcements only to find that he is trying to fiddle the figures and wriggle out of green commitments. Gordon Brown is indulging in the worst form of greenwash.

 

“Following John Hutton’s open love letter on nuclear power this week it is abundantly clear that the Labour government are prepared to abandon green energy. Everyone outside government, including nuclear generators, recognises that a large scale expansion of nuclear will crowd renewables out of the market.

 

“Labour’s obsession with nuclear power is even more bewildering when there is no realistic plan for the disposal of existing waste, let alone a new generation of nuclear waste. The cost of disposal is rocketing out of control with the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency already swallowing nearly half of DBERR’s budget.

 

“Rather than trying to water down its obligations, the UK government must live up to its commitments and push forward investment in renewable technologies that will provide a greener and more sustainable energy future.”