Appeared on the Green Alliance’s Catalyst Forum, on 26th July, 2011. Yes, but we must be clear about what makes growth green No-one should doubt the government’s current appetite for growth. The economy grew by a mere 0.2 per cent in the last quarter. The accuracy implied by a number […]
Tom Burke’s political commentary: the facts behind the Daily Mail’s energy fury
BBC Radio 4’s Decision Time on nuclear
Below is the summary of my contribution on BBC Radio 4’s Decision Time, focusing on government decisions on a new generation of nuclear power stations, on 29th June 2011. I sat on a panel of experts with Tim Eggar (advisor to the government on energy policy), Sir David King (Director, Smith School […]
Chris Huhne is right – green ‘red tape’ can be good for business
Tom Burke’s political commentary: Cameron’s green gambit – true hue or camouflage?
ENDS Report 436, p. 48, May 2011. One year on and a string of government missteps have left many questioning its true commitment to the environment and genuine reform The collision between the simplicities of politics and the complexities of government is often a brutal experience for ministers. Politics is […]
How Green is my Government?
Tom Burke’s political commentary: One year on, coalition’s promise is under stress
ENDS Report 435, p. 61, April 2011. David Cameron pledged his administration would be “the greenest government ever”. Forthcoming decisions on the Green Deal, Green Investment Bank and fourth carbon budget will reveal how serious he was It is a year since the coalition government took power. Though distasteful to […]
The role of nuclear power in a post-Fukushima world
This piece was written in the aftermath of Fukushima. Some people may find the current spat between Guardian eco-warriors’ Monbiot and Vidal, entertaining. I doubt that I am alone in finding it both distracting and somewhat offensive. I take considerable objection to Monbiot’s use of the royal ‘we’ to apologise […]
Online debate: the world would be better off without nuclear
Tom Burke’s political commentary: Say yes to negawatts, no to new nuclear subsidy
ENDS Report 434, p. 67 28 March 2011 British governments have been pushing for nuclear power, aiming for a new station on grid by 2017. But the development needs of the industry clash with the coalition’s mission to elevate the market’s role in choosing technologies. Market fundamentalists have a mantra […]