Idea is intended to boost low carbon initiative

David Cameron, leader of the Tories, was expected to announce plans for a Green Investment Bank to boost the development of low-carbon energy. This has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

The green campaigning charity has led the call for a Green Investment Bank over the last six months.

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins says: “Action on climate change and energy security is a top priority for whichever party wins the General Election.

“A Green Investment Bank is desperately needed to fund the replacement of the UK's outdated fossil-fuel energy infrastructure with the clean energy technologies of the 21st century, and to create new green industries and jobs.

“Plans to provide households with long-term 'Pay as you Save' loans to make their homes more snug are welcome, but they fall well short of what is required to cut energy waste from homes, commerce and industry.

“The Conservatives must set out a clear strategy to tackle fuel poverty. This includes regulating private landlords to prevent them from letting poorly insulated properties and ensuring that local authorities work with energy companies to renovate Britain's housing stock street by street.”

Friends of the Earth is also critical of Conservative plans for failing to identify the need for a clear industrial policy that will ensure that the new jobs and industries created by greening our energy system are located in the UK and not overseas. Comment at http://www.gogreen2.com/forum

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