Research conducted by the polling company YouGov suggests 85 per cent of Britons want their energy companies to be forced to use UK base renewable energy sources rather than rely on foreign gas supplies.
Friends of the Earth has launched a petition to be delivered to David Cameron and Ed Davey calling on them to ‘ensure the UK is not locked into another generation of expensive, imported gas.'
In the same poll 64 per cent of participants said they would like to see the country's energy matrix built from wind, wave, tidal and solar power, all of which the UK generates in abundance each year. Only 3 per cent of those polled backed coal, and 2 per cent gas.
Deborah Meaden from the BBC's Dragons Den has backed the campaign, ‘David Cameron needs to listen to the public and say "I'm in" to clean British energy, opening up a multi-billion pound opportunity for British businesses.'
‘Gas, coal and nuclear are the technologies of the past. Our country has the skills and the talent to be world-beaters in the renewable energy technologies of right now. Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign would switch the UK to home-grown clean power - we can't afford not to,' she says.
Her sentiments where echoed by Craig Bennett, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Friends of the Earth ‘The public has given a clear vote of confidence to clean British energy from our wind, sun and sea - it makes no sense for the Government to pursue an unwanted, costly dash for gas that's causing our fuel bills to rocket.
‘Ministers have a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our electricity market to help smaller businesses, schools and communities plug into clean and affordable power.'
In the annual state opening of parliament this week, the Queen's Speech (an insight into legislation the government intents to introduce this year) talked specifically about the new Energy Bill. ‘My Government will propose reform of the electricity market to deliver secure, clean and affordable electricity and ensure prices are fair.'
TAKE ACTION: Help ensure a clean energy future for Britain by signing the petition at Friends of the Earth campaign page
| READ MORE... | |
 |
NEWS ANALYSIS Environment chief backs gas 'fracking' and nuclear in the UK Lord Smith, chairman of the Environment Agency, joins the calls for a gas 'fracking' boom, saying it would provide 'energy security' |
 |
NEWS ANALYSIS Middle England and eco-activists unite in opposition to shale gas and fracking In a perfect storm, Middle England is joining forces with climate activists to say no to fracking and the UK's much-talked about shale gas boom |
 |
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE How solar power came to a Brixton council estate Following a successful share issue, the UK's first 100 per cent community owned inner-city social housing solar power project went live last month. Mark Briggs visited to find out more |
 |
GREEN LIVING Turning our Victorian terrace into an ecohome: part one One family's journey to turn a draughty, turn-of-the-century terrace into a snug paragon of eco efficiency |
 |
GREEN LIVING Wrap up your home Insulating your home will save energy and money. This simple guide will show you where to start and what material to use |
