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Almost two thirds of MPs agree the renewable energy sector benefits the UK economy, according to a report by Dods Renewable Energy Dialogue.
The poll revealed 63 per cent of MPs recognised that renewable energy benefits the UK’s economy, while 69 per cent agreed the sector created jobs.
However there was a marked difference in the views of MPs from the Labour and Conservative parties.
Only 35 per cent of Conservative MPs polled said they agreed or strongly agreed that renewable energy benefited the UK economy, while 41 per cent said they disagreed or strongly disagreed.
A total of 86 per cent of the Labour MPs questioned said they agreed or strongly agreed, while only 14 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed.
The report urged the government to “nurture” the existing political consensus ahead of the 2015 general election and promote the benefits of the renewable energy sector.
The study acknowledged the political parties “want to differentiate themselves on energy issues”, but called on them to prevent the short term political differences to “obscure the areas of agreement”.
The report also called on government “to do more to communicate the present benefits that renewables have brought” with the public; to accept up-front investment will lead to future savings; and to develop the supply chain in the UK.
Tim Yeo, chair of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee, said: “The importance of renewable energy in the UK continues to grow.
“Our geographical location and available expertise has seen the development of a full portfolio of renewable generation technologies.
“Although the recent focus by Government on reducing the cost of green levies on energy bills has not been helpful for investor confidence in green energy projects, if you look beyond the political posturing, there are many positives to draw from.”
Dr Nina Skorupska, chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, said there remains a “limited yet vocal pushback against renewables” from the Tory backbenches but overall “support for renewables holds firm”.
She added: “We in industry need to engage more effectively with those who remain unconvinced of the benefits of renewables.”
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