MPs called to back decarbonisation target

Three Churches have joined an alliance of 55 organisations calling upon MPs to vote in favour of a decarbonisation measure in the Energy Bill. 

MPs are being asked to support an amendment to the Energy Bill that would introduce a target committing the UK to becoming an almost carbon free power sector by 2030.

The Methodist Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain and United Reformed Church want MPs to vote for the amendment.

They see the Energy Bill as playing an important role in turning the UK into a world leading low-carbon economy.

In a joint briefing for MPs ahead of the debate, the Churches said investment in low-carbon energy would not cause fuel poverty. 

"The main cause of increasing fuel poverty is a general rise in energy costs, specifically of gas and oil," states the report. "Recent studies show that the most effective way of reducing fuel poverty is through targeted energy efficiency improvement."

The introduction of a decarbonisation target is supported by the Liberal Democrat Party. The Reverend Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church, has written to every Liberal Democrat MP urging them to vote in line with their own party policy.

Organisations in the alliance include UNICEF, the TUC, Operation Noah, Christian Aid, Greenpeace, Oxfam and the WWF.

News
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz
New Edinburgh memorial honours mission school matron killed in Auschwitz

A brass plaque has been laid in honour of a Church of Scotland school matron who died in Auschwitz during the Second World War.

Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism
Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — named after the Jordan River and ruled by pro-Western King Abdullah II — is organizing a major global celebration marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s baptism.

Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion
Pro-life group: end of two-child benefit cap will save more unborn babies from abortion

The benefits cap may have been a factor in some women's decisions to have an abortion.

Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits
Spotlight falls on discrimination against Christians in Turkey as Pope visits

A report by the European Centre for Law and Justice documents the continuing difficulties faced by Turkey’s Christian minority.