Commenting on the publication of a new report by the Environmental Audit Committee on Green Jobs and Skills, Peter Young, Chairman of the Aldersgate Group, said:

"The Aldersgate Group welcomes the Committee's findings on a green   skills gap and joins them in urging the Government to take action.  The Committee's report reflects our own recent analysis that this represents a major barrier for the government to meet its low carbon targets.

"The UK must urgently develop the skills base across the economy to ensure it can compete with the likes of Germany and the United States in key low carbon markets.  This is essential to create the new jobs for the economic recovery and vital for long-term competitiveness."

To read the EAC report, click here. 

The Aldersgate Group have become an associate patner for Base - a new event for those who want to understand how the playing field is changing, to recognise the opportunities, and to equip their businesses to flourish well into the 21st century.

For more information, see www.baseshow.co.uk

In response to the PBR, the Aldersgte Group called for a more urgent approach to finance green technologies.

See http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/10/plan-to-cap-energy-bills

The Aldersgate Group welcomed the Government's low carbon transition plan and industrial strategy. Chairman Peter Young said: "Today represents a notable landmark for UK economic and climate change policy. The combination of publishing a detailed carbon roadmap and corresponding industrial strategy will help to safeguard competitiveness for business, new green jobs for the workforce and rising prosperity for all."

The Aldersgate Group today provided oral evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into green jobs and skills. The witnesses were Peter Young, Aldersgate Group Chairman, and John Edmonds, former President of the Trade Union Congress. To watch the evidence session, visit www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=4313.

Aldersgate Group Director Sir John Harman today gave a keynote address to members of the Council of Europe at the House of Commons, hosted by the Rt Hon John Prescott MP. The event explored the impact of the global credit crisis on families and the environment.

The AG submitted evidence to the Treasury Committee outlining its response to the 2009 Budget.  It praised a number of policy announcements, particularly the publication of the first carbon budgets, but criticised the size of the green component of the overall stimulus package compared to international competitors.

BERR have published Investing in a Low Carbon Britain which builds on the Government’s vision for a Low Carbon Industrial Strategy. It sets out a programme of targeted investment to provide real help now for businesses and households, creating and sustaining the jobs that will contribute to the UK’s prosperity in a new low carbon world.