News

Autumn Statement sends ‘a wintery blast’ says Friends of the Earth

Commenting on chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement today (Tuesday 29 November 2011), Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins said:“George Osborne’s Autumn Statement will send a wintery blast through the UK’s future economic prospects.

“Throwing billions of pounds at roads and dirty energy will increase our dependency on gas, coal and oil and lock cash-strapped homes and businesses into spiralling fuel bills.

“Just a fraction of the money earmarked for new roads would throw a crucial lifeline to the solar industry – and the 30,000 jobs currently under threat from government cuts.

“It’s astounding that the chancellor has rewarded lobbying by some of the world’s biggest businesses with a £250 million licence to pollute – and using funds culled from benefits rubs salt into the wound.

“The Green Investment Bank could drive a real economic recovery, but by refusing to let it off the leash the chancellor’s missed a golden opportunity to build a safe, clean economy from the rubble of the old.”