Sir – Given the urgent need to tackle climate change, curb fuel bills, and bring new skilled jobs to Oxfordshire, I was disappointed that Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood did not vote in favour of a clean power target in the Government’s Energy Bill earlier this month.
The Government’s independent advisers say that a target to take fossil fuels out of our electricity by 2030 is the cheapest way for the UK to meet its legally-binding commitments to tackle climate change.
A clean power target is also a huge opportunity to boost our stalling economy. More than 100 UK businesses say it will provide the certainty they need to invest in green industries, which could bring new jobs to Oxfordshire. Without the target, Britain faces a headlong dash for gas, which would send household fuel bills soaring and see jobs lost overseas. Nicola Blackwood must explain her actions to constituents.
Although narrowly defeated, it was good to see that some of Ms Blackwood’s colleagues did stand up for the right thing.
I urge Ms Blackwood to reconsider the issue before further votes in Parliament at the end of the year.
Andy Atkins, Executive director, Friends of the Earth, London
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