Government blocks renewable energy

12.00.00pm GMT Sat 17th Feb 2007

David Howarth, Lib Dem Energy Spokesperson, has today condemned Britain 's attempts to stand in the way of renewable energy in Europe.

Mr. Howarth's comments follow news that that the British Government has successfully fought plans for a binding 20% renewable energy target in Europe by 2020. Despite support for binding targets by Germany and Italy, among other member states, the targets were watered down in talks by energy ministers in Brussels. Ministers also failed to come to agreement on how to liberalise the EU energy market.

Mr. Howarth said:

"This is a disastrous failure. Binding targets for renewable energy are crucial to encouraging the sector and reducing our carbon emissions. The British Government played a big part in this failure by undermining binding targets.

David Howarth MP

"The extent of excessive state interference in energy markets throughout Europe is extremely worrying. Ministers' failure to reach a deal on the liberalisation of these markets is a catastrophe."