London’s Green MEP, Jean Lambert, will join protestors at the Save Vestas Rally outside the Department for Energy and Climate Change at 6.30pm today [28th July] to demand action from the Government to support the wind energy industry and protect green jobs.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Jean Lambert MEP said:
"In its Energy White Paper, the government announced a major expansion of renewable energy capacity, including wind power, and yet this factory is set to close due to the slow growth of the onshore wind market and delays in our planning system."
"This planned closure really flies in the face of the promised green jobs bonanza. If these jobs are lost, knowledge and skills in green manufacturing will be lost too. In the midst of this recession, and given the global threats from climate change, we need radical action now to protect jobs and expand our green industries."
"The Vestas factory provides a model for the way in which Britain’s manufacturing industry could be positively and sustainably rebuilt to provide green jobs and proven, environmentally-sound energy sources for the future. I fully support the actions of the workers and urge people to lend their voices to this vital campaign. Now is the time for the Government to step in to save these jobs and invest in sustainable green manufacturing for the future."
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Notes to Editors
– Vestas Blades UK, which manufactures wind turbine blades on the Isle of Wight, is due to close on 31st July. 600 jobs will be lost immediately and many more that depend on Vestas will follow.
– The demonstration will take place at 3 Whitehall Place, off Whitehall, near Charing Cross tube.
– For more information on the work of Jean Lambert, contact, Georgina Bloomfield, Media and Public Relations Officer for Jean Lambert MEP, 020 7407 6280 Mob: 07988 790 889