Following the dismal news earlier this year that the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant on the Isle of Wight is to close, local workers and campaigners have begun the Save Vestas campaign. The group has organised a rally for 12 noon this Saturday (11 July) in St James Square in Newport, Isle of Wight. I’ve sent the following statement in support of the protest:
“As the Isle of Wight’s Green Euro-MP, I give my full support to the campaign to stop the closure of the Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant. The decision to close the facility represents a spectacular failure by Government ministers to adequately promote green industries - and protect the future of manufacturing in this country. This isn’t just a huge blow for the 600 skilled British workers who are set to lose their jobs – it destroys any hope the UK may have had for establishing itself in the eyes of the world as being at the forefront of technological efforts to create a greener and more sustainable future.
“At a time when the number of people out of work is increasing, it is unforgivable that the Government has singularly failed to offer coherent policy on the future of the renewable energy industry. This is an industry which could provide hundreds of thousands of good quality, green collar jobs for skilled workers, taking full advantage of the UK’s proud manufacturing heritage, while simultaneously addressing the ever-present threat of climate change. We should be seizing the opportunity to create a renewable energy revolution through a favourable policy environment and massive investment in the new technologies that can see us through a transition towards a more environmentally and economically stable economy. The Government can make a genuine start along this road by pledging to help keep the Isle of Wight’s Vestas plant open for business.”
Here’s hoping for a good turnout on Saturday…
