Embargo: For immediate release, Monday 28 November 2011
Contact: Neil Verlander, Friends of the Earth press office – 020 7566 1649
Joe Peacock, Birmingham Friends of the Earth 0121 6326909
OSBORNE’S £30BN INVESTMENT PLAN – BIRMINGHAM FRIENDS OF THE EARTH REACTION
Commenting on Government plans to invest £30 billion in Britain’s infrastructure, such as roads, Friends of the Earth’s Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:
“The chancellor is right that we need to kick-start our economy – but cutting benefits for the poorest and syphoning off money earmarked for clean energy to fund road building and other polluting projects throws good money after bad.
“With Ministers threatening to pull the rug from under the UK’s thriving solar industry, it seems the Government’s clean economy drive is stuck in reverse.
“As crucial climate talks begin in South Africa, Ministers must show they are ready to wean the nation off expensive oil and gas – and stop threatening new, clean industries which will create new jobs and businesses for UK plc.”
Birmingham Friends of the Earth’s Campaigns Coordinator, Roxanne Green added:
“Birmingham desperately needs investment in new rail infrastructure to help with congestion as well as air pollution and decisive action to help the 20% of households that are in fuel poverty.
“Investment in the right infrastructure could really help the city hit its climate change targets and also improve the health and wealth of local people.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.
2. Birmingham Friends of the Earth is the local group that covers the whole Birmingham area and campaigns on local as well as national issues to promote a positive environmental message. For further information, visit: https://birminghamfoe.org.uk/
