Tories turning lights off on green economy

Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Spokesperson Lynne Featherstone has accused the Conservatives of trashing the coalition government's green legacy, including by slashing subsidies for renewable energy while spending billions subsidising Hinkley Point.

The Government's own impact assessment has predicted up to 19,000 job losses in the wind and solar sector.

The Liberal Democrats are debating a package of measures to new green industrial strategy at their conference in Brighton.

Baroness Lynne Featherstone said:

"The Coalition was the greenest government ever. We tripled the amount of electricity from renewable sources and set up the Green Investment Bank. On their own, the Conservatives have gone backwards."

"The eye-wateringly expensive Hinkley power station has been given the green light, while the solar industry is being ripped apart. Huge damage has been done to an industry on the verge of becoming subsidy-free."

"Our renewables industry can thrive with the right investment. It has huge potential for generating profits, creating jobs and exporting to the world's rapidly expanding green markets. It's time the Conservatives started valuing the green economy - for its business potential if not for its environmental benefits."