Green Jobs are a Priority and Must not be Squandered

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Sep 2009

Graham Watson MEP has told the Liberal Democrat Conference in Bournemouth that the new European Parliament must focus on creating green jobs, but the government needs to play its part too.

Mr Watson has long argued for a sustainable road out of recession and is delighted that the EU has funded green projects in the South West. One such project is the Wave Hub, which allows renewable wave energy to be transmitted to the national grid.

However, amid recent press reports of renewable energy firms moving abroad, he is disappointed that the government is not giving enough support to such projects.

He said:

"The EU is in a great position to drive a green energy revolution, and it is certainly a priority for me over the coming years. This will not only create jobs and wealth for areas like the South West, but will also help clean up the environment we live in."

"However, if the government does not provide a healthy environment for renewable energy firms, our chance of a prosperous green future will be squandered."