Westminster Liberal Democrats back calls for UK energy independence

11.36.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Aug 2008

We must build up alternative energy sources and become 'energy independent'

Liberal Democrats in Westminster are giving their backing to ambitious calls by LibDem leader Nick Clegg MP for Britain to go 'energy independent'.

The LibDem leader has called for a major programme to build up Britain's own energy supplies through wind, tidal, wave and biomass technologies.

He said, "We have an enormous opportunity to create real energy independence for the UK, freeing ourselves from the shackles of foreign oil, coal and gas. This will require the kind of ambition and political will that succeeded in putting man on the moon."

Commenting, local LibDem Sophie Service said, "I am very pleased that Nick is calling for a green revolution in our production of energy.

"What has happened in Georgia and the ongoing troubles in the Middle East show just how dangerously reliant Britain is on energy from unstable parts of the world.

"We must build up our own energy supplies and, as an island nation, we have loads and loads of natural, clean energy sources. Sadly, in government both Labour and the Conservatives have failed to develop.

"Whilst the two old parties joined together earlier this year to agree Britain should have more nuclear power stations, Liberal Democrats believe this will leave goodness knows how much radioactive waste for many generations to deal with. It will also leave us utterly dependent on foreign supplies of uranium.

"Liberal Democrats in Westminster are welcoming Nick Clegg's call for Britain to develop clean energy supplies and become self-sufficient in them by 2050. This is an industry in which we as a nation should aim to lead the world."