http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/29/autumn-statement-george-osborne-green-policies?intcmp=122George Osborne loosed his most strident rhetoric yet against environmental regulation in his autumn statement, slamming green policies as a "burden" and a "ridiculous cost" to British businesses, in a fillip to the right wing of his party.
In a clear attempt to redirect the coalition's green policies, the chancellor told parliament: "I am worried about the combined impact of the green policies adopted not just in Britain, but also by the European Union … if we burden
with endless social and environmental goals – however worthy in their own right – then not only will we not achieve those goals, but the businesses will fail, jobs will be lost, and our country will be poorer."
Osborne gave £250m worth of assistance and rebates to the most energy-intensive companies, scrapped a planned rise in fuel duty, announced a massive road-building scheme and hinted at a watering down of regulations to protect British wildlife.
Environmentalists may have gained some cheer though from the promise of £1.4bn for new railways and rail improvements, including the electrification of the transpennine express and new route linking Oxford, Milton Keynes and Bedford, as well as the re-announcement of last week's £200m for the "green deal", the flagship policy to give households access to insulation.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
