Top Labour MP savages coalition over ‘hollow’ environment promises

Speaking ahead of her appearance as guest speaker at next week’s Yorkshire Post Environment Awards, Caroline Flint has warned the UK risks “falling behind” in the race to become a global hub in the production of offshore wind turbines due to a lack of unity within the Government over the importance of the green economy.

“I don’t think enough is being done,” said the Don Valley MP.

“We’ve gone from third place in the world when it comes to investing in renewables, to seventh place, and that is hugely regrettable. We seem to be going backwards rather than forwards.”

Ms Flint said the Government must invest in infrastructure in areas such as the Humber to encourage investment.

But she also warned mixed messages from Whitehall and backbench Tory MPs are leaving multinational firms unsure about the wisdom of investing in the UK.

“Is it any surprise that now you hear from companies like Siemens they’re really worried about investing in the UK, because they’re not sure there’s the confidence and the will to support this sector?” she said.

“These are messages I’m hearing all the time from large firms, and also from very small businesses as well, about whether it’s worth the effort.

“And of course it is worth the effort, because if we don’t do it we will fall behind – and other countries will capitalise on these opportunities. But the Government just do not get it.”

Full interview: Page 4.