MPs make Commons solar power motion number one
The 'We Support Solar' campaign has been gaining momentum amongst MP's and their constituents throughout Spring 2009.
The motion for solar power in the UK today became the most supported in Parliament. Over 250 MPs have signed the Commons motion (EDM 689) in support of solar PV in the UK, making it the most popular Commons motion out of over 1,600 tabled to date in this Parliamentary session. The weight of MP support for the motion reflects the views of 1000’s of individuals and 100’s of organisations signed up to the 'We Support Solar' campaign.
EDM 689 tabled by Colin Challen MP Labour Chair of the All-party Commons climate change group welcomes the launch of the 'We Support Solar' campaign and calls on the Government to overturn its negative treatment of solar PV in the 2008 Renewable Energy Strategy consultation.
The popular motion has received the backing of well over 100 Labour MPs including former energy Ministers Peter Hain MP (now Welsh Secretary) and John Battle MP, plus Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Greg Clark MP, and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Simon Hughes MP.
Colin Challen MP said "The wide range of support from all sides of the House for my motion underlines the extent of Parliamentary feeling on this issue. Today, there is still unnecessary uncertainty surrounding the level of solar PV funding under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2, as well as an enormous opportunity to drive forward this technology through the forthcoming feed-in tariffs.”
He added: “We simply cannot have a cliff edge in solar PV support some 10 months before the start of the feed-in tariffs without causing severe damage to our UK solar PV regional and local installer base. Many hundreds of skilled solar jobs in constituencies up and down the country are at stake. I hope very much therefore that Ministers are listening to Parliamentarians on this issue. It's important that solar PV is treated positively in the final renewable energy strategy document and feed-in tariff consultation both expected before the summer recess."
Simon Hughes MP, Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said: "Colin Challen's motion has had major support from the Lib Dem benches, reflecting our long-term support for policies to drive forward solar PV and other renewable energy technologies in the built environment. It beggars belief that two months on from the Budget, the solar PV industry is still faced with a suspension of grants under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, dating back to 23 March. Ministers now need to get on top of this situation urgently and resolve the ongoing solar PV funding crisis positively once and for all. Solar PV can play a big role in helping to deliver the UKs future renewable energy targets but the Government's current indecision is making it impossible for UK companies to invest with confidence and to retain skilled solar jobs."
Ed Matthew Head of UK Climate at Friends of the Earth said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the We Support Solar campaign. MPs of all parties recognise that solar power can make an important contribution to our 2020 renewable energy targets and beyond. Friends of the Earth will be looking very carefully to see whether the Government responds positively to MPs, NGOs and others in the We Support Solar campaign, and puts in place a meaningful feed-in tariff to drive forward solar PV in the UK."
For more information on EDM 689 and the campaign see www.wesupportsolar.net