Green campaigners accuse Government of disregard for environment

The Government faces criticism from wildlife groups, countryside campaigners and green activists because of the “disregard” for the environment they believe George Osborne’s Autumn Statement displayed. Charlotte Reid has more.

David Cameron said he was going to make his Government the “greenest government ever”, but is facing criticisms after plans initially backed by the RSPB and the Campaign to Protect Rural England were abandoned.

This stems from the Chancellor’s autumn statement, which Osborne gave last week. It was a review of the current economy and of Government spending. From an environmental outlook it seems like the Government has put economic concerns before green ambitions.

During the speech, Osborne said that the planet would not be saved by shutting down factories that are known polluters. Instead, it would just hurt Britain’s job market.

Members from the environmental movement wrote to the Observer’s letters to speak up against the policies that the Government have brought in.

One letter, signed by Tony Juniper, a former director of Friends of the Earth and others, said, “Following the chancellor’s autumn statement, we can say that the coalition is on a path to becoming the most environmentally destructive Government to hold power in this country since the modern environmental movement was born”.

Likewise Martin Harper, RSPB conservation director, said, “The chancellor’s attack on vital environment regulation is below the belt and shows how short-sighted his policy for growth is.

“Clearly the chancellor believes that he can bring about a quick fix of the economy by allowing unrestrained growth to trample over our precious natural environment.”

Recently in the UK we have seen the cutting of the Feed-in-Tariff for solar panels, doubts about funding for carbon capture and storage schemes, and proposed changes in the building regulations.

But, back in October 2011 there were questions being raised about the coalition Government’s pledge to the environment. The Guardian launched a green-o-meter infographic to weigh up the Government’s claims.

If this is the end of the greenest government ever then think about what the think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs said to Blue & Green Tomorrow. They said to be sceptical of the government’s intervention so we say if you want to act sustainably then don’t rely upon the government, start doing it yourself.

If you want to know more about how to help the environment then ask your financial adviser about ethical investment, or you can use our online form and we will find one for you. If you want to know more about being environmental with your energy then get in touch with Good Energy.

Picture source: altogetherfool