Cameron’s Campaign Claim to ‘Go Green’ Undermined by Conservative Facts

Tory councils have the worse record on windfarms

David Cameron’s claim to ‘go green’ has been dramatically undermined by new evidence that shows that Tory run councils have the worst record in Britain for supporting local action on renewable energy.   The evidence, released by environmental think-tank and campaigning group SERA, shows that since David Cameron became the leader of the Conservative party, Conservative-run councils have opposed 80% of wind farm applications submitted to them.  In contrast, Labour councils have approved 70%.  Importantly, all decisions overturned by In 2007 alone, the potential to generate 740mw wind power has been refused planning permission – enough to power 400,000 homes. “These figures raise serious challenges to David Cameron’s attempts to rebrand the Tories and show that on wind power, he clearly hasn’t won over the hearts and minds of his party.  Despite his national rhetoric, the natural response of local Tories is to oppose local renewable schemes or adopt a NIMBY approach” said Andrew Pakes, Co-Chair of SERA and author of the report.The record of the Liberal Democrats isn’t much better – while they argue that the Labour Government needs to do more nationally, on a local level, like the Conservatives, Lib Dem run councils have blocked 80 %  of wind farm applications submitted to them.  “This research shows that there are considerable differences between the three main parties when it comes to the acceptability of wind power.  If we are to meet the 20 per cent target for renewables by 2020 that the Labour Government has set, then it’s vital that the grass-roots Tory and Liberal councillors act more responsibly and show genuine support for wind power.”