Labour would make move to low carbon economy

A future Labour government would make a decisive shift towards a low carbon economy by ensuring green growth and jobs were the focus of the economic recovery.

That was the message today (September 27) from shadow energy secretary Meg Hillier, who used her speech at the Labour Partys annual conference in Liverpool to claim that, if elected, the party would make environmental protection one of the key pillars of its approach to government.

In her speech, Ms Hillier criticised the coalition governments record on environmental policy over its first year in power. In particular, she claimed proposals for the Green Investment Bank potentially a key option for financing future waste plants had been hobbled and delayed.

“The Green Investment Bank promised in Labours manifesto, but hobbled under the Coalition. Delayed, and unable to borrow capital,” she said.

And, she also labelled the Department for energy and climate change the laughing stock of Whitehall, claiming it was trampled by the Treasury and undermined by No. 10.

The second day of the event also included an address by Mary Creagh, the shadow environment secretary. In her speech, Ms Creagh highlighted the huge increase in recycling led by Labour-controlled local authorities, but called for clarity over what would need to be done to achieve a zero waste economy in 10 years time.

Hot air

Questioning the current governments commitment to environmental issues, Ms Hillier said: Ministers call this the greenest government ever – never has a claim been so much hot air.

The great tragedy is that it doesnt have to be like this. The economic recovery could be built on low-carbon growth: growing green firms, world-beating inventions, more apprenticeships, and most of all, what the country is crying out for: new jobs – jobs in manufacturing, design and engineering.

She added: Safeguarding our environment is not a cost. It is an opportunity, to be seized if we want real growth to return.

The next Labour Government will put the fight against climate change at the top of its agenda, not just because it is the morally right thing to do, to save the lives of millions around the world, but also because we can lead the world in new technologies and create green jobs at home.

Outlining Labours green commitments if it comes to power at the next election, she said: Fair energy prices, green jobs, action on climate change, a decisive shift to a low-carbon economy, leadership on the world stage – thats Labours promise one worth fighting for, one worth winning for.

Creagh

In her speech, Ms Creagh highlighted Labours achievements on environmental issues, such as a huge increase in recycling thanks to Labour councils like Wakefield, Leicester and Copeland.

Looking to the future, she added: Recycling used to be a minority interest. Today, most of us sort our household rubbish [but] In 10 years time, what do we need to do to achieve a zero-waste economy?

In the past, businesses set up shop where they pleased and made free use of raw materials, water and people. Now the best companies realise that the only long-term business strategy is one which puts sustainability at its heart, which respects its people and our planet.