The closure of a turbine factory on the Isle of Wight undermines the British Government's green pledges.
Trade unionists and environmental campaigners in the United Kingdom are calling their government hypocritical over its refusal to save 600 jobs at the Danish-owned factory, which makes blades for wind turbines.
Last week ministers Ed Miliband and Peter Mandelson launched the government's climate strategy, heralding 400,000 jobs in renewable energy and related environmental industries as the UK makes moves towards becoming a low-carbon economy.
This week their refusal to help Vestas Wind Systems negotiate British planning laws and confront nimbyism (the 'not in my back yard' attitude that says wind farms should be built, but not here) looks set to cost the country its only wind turbine manufacturing facility, according to the firm.
Greenpeace, the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats and five Labour backbenchers have all condemned the government's inaction.
I lived in Britain for many years, where I studied politics and international relations and worked in the charity sector. Now I live in Mexico and juggle my time between bringing up a young son, writing science fiction, teaching English and engaging with the global community on-line. I want to learn more about the enormous changes we all face so we might make a peaceful transition to what is bound to be a very different society.
Fossil Fuel
Wavehunter
The closure of a turbine factory on the Isle of Wight undermines the British Government's green pledges.
