A Government “assault” on Britain’s clean energy industries must come to an end because it is putting thousands of jobs at risk, the shadow energy secretary has warned.
Labour MPs today launched an attack on the Government’s decision to cut renewable energy subsidies and support.
Lisa Nandy told Energy Secretary Amber Rudd: “Thousands of jobs have already gone and thousands more are at risk since this Government slashed support for renewables.
“Ministers have blocked onshore wind developments, slashed support for solar and are chopping and changing energy policy so often that the CBI says they’re deterring potential investors.
“How many more renewable energy companies must go under?
“How many more jobs must be lost before this Government will live up to our international commitments and end this assault on Britain’s clean energy industries?”
Ms Rudd replied: “It’s disappointing. You talk about clean energy and low carbon and fail to mention the announcement yesterday where we are the first large developed country to make an announcement for a date for taking off coal.
“It’s a great achievement, it’s important as part of our future low carbon emissions.
“I’d also say to you, our plan is for a green economy. We are continuing to develop jobs as well as support manufacturing and industry – and I’m proud of the direction we’re taking.”
Meanwhile, Alex Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton North, warned during energy questions in the Commons cuts would lead to job losses in areas which are already hurting.
“You will be aware of the thousands of job losses on Teesside with steel, construction and mining all shedding people,” he said.
“Even the Government is contributing to the misery, sacking hundreds of HMRC employees.
“Do you really want to add thousands more from the solar, energy conservation and energy intensive industries as a direct result of your policies?”
But Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom hit back, telling the House: “We are huge supporters of the solar sector.
“The point is that there is a balance to be had between the enormous success in deployment that exceeds our expectations and the impact on the bill payer.
“We have to keep that balance.”
Ms Leadsom said the Government’s plans for the energy sector will create new jobs.
She said taxpayers cannot be expected to “permanently subsidise” an industry.
“In the end they do need to stand on their own two feet,” she said.