date: 23 May 2007

embargo: For immediate release

TUC comment on Energy White Paper

Commenting today (Wednesday) on the Energy White Paper, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

"The Energy White Paper is a concerted attempt by the Government to move policy forward in this area. The TUC is very pleased that ministers are now acknowledging the absolutely central role that businesses and workplaces must play in reducing carbon emissions. The decision to introduce a mandatory carbon trading scheme for large businesses and public sector bodies is a bold and necessary step. The TUC and the unions will actively support this through the expansion of green union reps in the workplace.

'Unions are also keen to play a central role in the development of the skills which the White Paper recognises are desperately needed by the energy sector to allow its transition to a low carbon industry. The Government is absolutely right to recognise and support this union role which is proving so effective across the economy as a whole.

'It's good to see the Government restating its strong commitment to a diverse energy mix including the use of indigenous coal, nuclear power, renewables and gas. As the White Paper clearly states, this approach is central to ensuring security of fuel supply. The continuing commitment to a major carbon capture and storage project in the UK is welcome as a way of developing the technology which will ensure UK coal is used in the greenest way possible. The speed and ambition of the project will be crucial. This also applies to other areas of technological innovation such as the transport sector.

'The paper also restates the Government's belief that the market will deliver safe, secure and green energy supplies. The TUC and many others will be watching closely to see whether this strategy really does work in the interest of the UK and wider humanity in the face of an increasingly urgent environmental crisis."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337; M: 07881 622416;
E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 23 May 2007