Wednesday 31 May 2017

Greenpeace claims Tories are weakening EU energy efficiency rules as Brexit approaches

Leaked documents suggest the UK is lobbying to weaken one of the EU's main energy efficiency laws.

A series of files, obtained by Greenpeace, are alleged to show the British Government is trying to lower the EU 2030 target of improving energy efficiency from 30% to 27% and make it non-binding.

Green campaigners have warned the Conservative's efforts could undermine energy targets and lead to weaker climate policies after Brexit - some have suggested it's a sign the party would dilute or abolish existing energy and climate policies after Brexit.

The UK previously welcomed the targets, which end in 2020, as an important driver for reducing consumer bills and reliance on energy imports.

Hannah Martin, Head of Energy at Greenpeace UK, said: "The government is trying to lock the rest of the EU into weaker energy policies, just as we are leaving.

"The message ministers seem to be sending is that Brexit could trigger a race to the bottom and be used as cover for getting rid of key environmental safeguards."

The government is also allegedly pushing to drop an obligation on suppliers, including the Big Six, to cut the amount of energy they sell during the next decade.