Budget largely ignores dangers of climate breakdown - again
Commenting on today’s Budget statement, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, Mike Childs, said:
“Yet another Budget that largely ignores the dangers of climate breakdown, and yet another missed opportunity to properly invest in building a strong, clean and prosperous future.
“New research published only last week revealed that the UK’s net zero economy grew by 9% in 2023, while the rest of the economy continues to stagnate.
“The UK’s failure to match the US and EU, who are leading the charge with billions of pounds of green investment, will cost this country jobs and future prosperity.
“We need a Chancellor for the future, not one stuck in the past. Money spent on renewables, home insulation and better public transport would not only boost the economy; it would also protect health, slash energy bills and help the UK play its part in the fight against the growing climate crisis.”
Commenting on the Chancellor's decision to extend energy windfall tax by one year, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy, Mike Childs, said:
“The Chancellor is right to continue the energy windfall tax – but he should have extended it for more than a year and closed the ridiculous loopholes that allow companies to offset their tax by drilling for more costly and polluting fossil fuels.”
ENDS
For more information and interview requests contact the Friends of the Earth press office on 020 7566 1649 or email [email protected].
Notes:
- UK’s net zero economy grew 9% in 2023, report finds: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/uk-net-zero-economy-grew-in-2023-report-finds