Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech setting out Labour’s clean
energy plan, Ami McCarthy, Greenpeace UK’s Political Campaigner,
said:
“Ensuring clean power by 2030 whilst protecting workers, creating
over a million new jobs, giving people warm homes, as well as
ending new north sea oil and gas licenses are policies we
desperately need. If Labour makes good on these commitments, it
would be on the right path towards demonstrating real climate
leadership, in stark contrast to the current government.
“Unlocking onshore wind and grid developments from the planning
processes holding them back is key to our clean energy
transition. But Labour must make sure it brings communities
along with it with proper consultation, many past attempts have
been scuppered due to failure to include local people and workers
in the process.
“Green infrastructure investment is now one of the best economic
growth generators, so there should be no question about whether
we can afford this now. The truth is, we can’t afford not to.
“But permitting new oil fields like Rosebank would do nothing for
bills, our energy security, or our economy. We already have more
than enough oil in existing projects to ensure a safe transition
to net zero, with no cliff edge. Only by setting out a clear
timeline for phasing down fossil fuel extraction can we ensure
workers and communities can have their say and truly benefit from
the green jobs of the future."
