date: 10 November 2008

embargo: 00.01hrs Tuesday 11 November 2008

TUC urges Government to follow Barack Obama's 'green industrial revolution'

The TUC will today (Tuesday) urge the Government to follow Barack Obama's lead and launch a 'green industrial revolution', as part of a long-term strategy for a more balanced, sustainable economy.

Addressing the annual Crystal lecture at Wolverhampton University, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber will say: 'While short term measures are needed to minimise the impact of the economic downturn, the Government also needs a long-term strategy to ensure that the UK emerges with a more equal and sustainable economy.

'We must restore a sense of balance to an economy that has become heavily dependent on the finance industry - and where the South East has overheated while other regions have struggled.

'At the core of the Government's strategy should be a green industrial revolution to make our economy more sustainable and competitive in the long term. Investing in areas such as clean coal technology and micro-generation will create jobs and give our manufacturing industry a much-needed boost. It would also help the UK to meet our ambitious target to cut CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by the middle of this century.

'If this all this sounds like wishful thinking, consider that a key part of Barack Obama's economic strategy is to create a green industrial revolution. He plans to invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade for renewable energy. He believes this strategy will create five million new jobs in the US.

'So, just as the US has followed our lead in bank recapitalisation, we should follow their lead by investing in green technology.

'Our European competitors have already shown that there are jobs and money in green technology. Germany's renewable energy sector employs half a million people and has a turnover of 24 billion euros. In contrast, the UK employs just 7,000 in renewable energy, generating 360 million euros.

'We have a lot of catching up to do. But manufacturing heartlands such as the Midlands could benefit enormously from a green industrial revolution.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Barack Obama's 'New Energy for America Plan' is available at http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/factsheet_energy_speech_080308.pdf

- A full copy of Brendan's speech is available from the TUC press office.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Press release (500 words) issued 11 Nov 2008