Former US vice president attacks government over ā€˜puzzling’ decisions at climate event in central London

Al Gore

Source: Alamy

Former US vice president Al Gore has slammed the UK government over its ā€œpuzzlingā€ decision to scrap several green energy policies in recent months.

Speaking at a climate leadership event in central London this week hosted by the Green Alliance and the CBI, Gore tore into the government’s backtracking on its commitments on a host of renewable and energy efficiency policies.

He said: ā€œSince the election was held, this country’s commitment to zero-carbon homes has been cancelled. This country’s commitment to carbon build has been cancelled. The Green Deal has been cancelled. The climate change levy exemption for zero-carbon energy has been cancelled. Solar support via the renewables obligation has been cancelled. Onshore wind support via the renewable obligation has been cancelled.ā€

Commenting on the government’s attitude to green policy, Gore added: ā€œWords. Words. What about actions? The actions that have been taken here in the last few months are puzzling to me.ā€

John Cridland, director general of the CBI, was equally critical. He said: ā€œBusiness must be - and wants to be - part of the solution to tackling the global challenge of climate change.ā€