MP Supports Call for Further Steps Towards Energy Efficiency

3.06.04

Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey has added his support to the campaign for sustainable energy through signing EDM 96 on Residential Energy Efficiency, but agrees that this does not go far enough.

By adding his signature to the motion in May, Edward Davey MP joined 337 other MPs calling for the Secretary of State to set an Energy Efficiency Aim for residential accommodation at 5 megatonnes of annual carbon savings from household energy efficiency. This would support national targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and saving energy, thus cutting heating costs and cold-related deaths.

However, whilst it succeeding in bringing this matter to the government's attention, the motion fell short of securing the 5 megatonnes promised in February's Energy White Paper, stopping short at 4.2 megatonnes.

Edward Davey MP acknowledged that whilst this was a great achievement it did not go far enough.

"I gave my support to the original Early Day Motion as this is an issue that concerns all my constituents.

"I am now joining with the Parliamentary Warm Homes Group in their fight against fuel poverty to urge the Government to adopt the targets originally specified in last February's Energy White Paper and set the Energy Efficiency Aim at five megatonnes.

"This is crucial if we are to significantly reduce dangerous emissions, save energy and be able to provide affordable heating for those who really need it."

"If the Government again fails to adopt these measures they will be striking at the most vulnerable members of society - the elderly, the infirm and all those on a low income. This is simply not acceptable."

For more information see Parliamentary Warm Homes Group