Caroline has responded to Amber Rudd's energy announcement today. The energy secretary is to “reset” Britain’s energy policy on Wednesday in a direction that downgrades tackling climate change from its highest priorities but commits to closing all traditional coal-fired plants by 2025.

Caroline said:

“This latest short-sighted announcement compounds the utter failure of this Government’s energy policy. 

“Coal fired power stations are being shut down too slowly and, perversely, they’re being replaced by a new wave of high carbon gas power stations. This switch from coal to gas is like trying to go dry by switching from vodka to super strength cider – it entirely fails to seriously address the real challenge at hand.

“In the run up to the crucial Paris climate talks in December ministers are showing their true colours. Support for nuclear and gas is growing- while help for renewable energy firms, and the thousands of jobs they create, is being slashed. 

“Investing in renewables and energy conservation would be far more effective economically, environmentally and in terms of energy security.  We must begin weaning ourselves off gas as quickly as possible.

“We must also move towards a far more decentralised system where resilient communities can generate much more energy at a lower cost.”

ENDS