Buildings in Manchester were last night illuminated with images of George Osborne’s face eclipsing the sun.
10:10, the climate change charity behind the light show, wants to draw attention to proposed cuts to support for renewable energy. They are calling on Conservative ministers to build on British success in solar power, not break it.
Boris Johnson is one of several MPs to have publicly voiced concerns over the job losses and environmental damage of the proposed policy. Former US Vice-President Al Gore also joined the mounting criticism of the cuts, declaring himself to be “puzzled” by the action.
Amy Cameron, 10:10 Campaign Manager said:
“Our projections are a bit of fun, but this is a hugely serious issue. It’s crucial Mr Osborne listens before it’s too late and continues to build British solar, not break it. Through our Keep FiTs portal, we have already heard from hundreds of people all over the UK who have told the government they want to Keep Fits.”
New analysis unveiled last week by the Solar Trade Association argues the jobs of 27,000 people are at risk (out of a total of 35,000).
Solar power is consistently popular among the UK public. According to latest DECC polling, 81% support solar power, and only 1% of the UK public strongly oppose renewables. Moreover, 71% agree that renewable energy provides economic benefits to the UK.
Britain might not be known for its sunshine, but solar power in the UK has expanded rapidly in recent years. A record amount of solar power was added to the world’s grids in 2014 with Britain leading solar expansion in Europe. By the end of 2014 there was almost five gigawatts of solar photovoltaic panels installed in the UK, up from 2.8GW at the end of 2013.
Aware of how off-putting government consultation processes can be to those outside the Westminster bubble, 10:10 developed a dedicated web portal – keepfits.org – to ensure everyone can have their say on the proposed cuts. If you want to see clean energy powering the UK, show your support by emailing your MP.
The campaign launched last month with a “phantom solar farm” washed, using clean graffiti techniques, onto the steps of the Department for Energy and Climate Change on Whitehall. There have been nearly 2000 submissions through the portal already, 600 in the first day alone.
Show your support
It’s not too late to make your voice heard. If you want the UK powered by solar, email your MP.