Commenting on the publication of the Government’s Energy Review, Stephen Boyd, STUC Assistant Secretary said:
“The STUC believes the review represents a step in the right direction towards the balanced energy policy for which trade unions have long campaigned.
“It is encouraging that Government has strengthened its support for renewable energy whilst acknowledging that coal and nuclear will continue to play important roles. We particularly look forward to participating in the coal forum aimed at securing UK coal production and coal-fired generation.
“However, a key concern for trade unions is that the UK no longer has the skills and research infrastructure to deliver the new technologies on which the strategies rely. This must be an urgent government priority.
“We also await the Scottish Executive’s response with interest, particularly on whether they intend to follow the Government’s lead and reform the planning regime for energy projects”.