19 March 2012

Just 2% of Brits believe in 'greenest government ever'
The Government's pledge to be the "greenest ever" has been dealt a humiliating blow with just 2% of the public saying they believe it has fulfilled this goal.

The YouGov Poll of more than 1,700 British adults, commissioned by Greenpeace and the RSPB, found that 53% of respondents believed the Government was 'about average' when it came to environmental policies.

This follows a promise by the prime minister in 2010 to lead the way in green policy and push environmental issues to the top of the political agenda. It also follows disappointment by industry and environmental groups that last year's Autumn Statement announcement failed to tackle green issues.

Greenpeace chief policy advisor Ruth Davis said that while the poll gives a "damming verdict" it is not too late for the prime minister to turn this around and leave an environmental legacy he can be proud of".

She added: "He can start by reigning in his Chancellor who seems hell-bent on trashing the environment. Instead, what the economy needs now is investment in green industries that will deliver jobs, growth and protect the planet."

As a result, Greenpeace says that if the Government wants to rescue their green credentials that Wednesday's (March 21) budget announcement needs to recognise the value of the UK's natural environment.

It also calls for emerging clean energy industries and businesses looking to investment millions in clean tech in the UK to be supported, as well as action to stop the UK becoming 'locked-in' to highly polluting industry infrastructure.

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