Bristol South Labour Party

Working hard all year round for South Bristol

Blackout Bristol

Labour backs campaign to cut down on energy use

Dawn Primarolo, Labour’s MP for Bristol South, and Leader of the City Council Helen Holland have welcomed the return of Blackout Bristol.  The event, organised by Bristol Friends of the Earth, encourages businesses to turn off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment.

Commenting, Dawn said:

“We all have to take responsibility for reducing the effects of climate change, and we shouldn’t ignore the simple steps like switching off lights at the end of the working day.  The Government is taking an important lead on climate change, and we’re working with retailers to ensure that those light bulbs which guzzle the most energy are phased out.  Most people are aware of how important it is to reduce unnecessary energy use – lights and electrical equipment in my office are always switched off at the end of the day – but we need to make sure that all businesses are aware of the issues too.  I find it so frustrating when I see office blocks with all the lights on after everyone has gone home and I congratulate Friends of the Earth on highlighting this vital issue.”

Friends of the Earth have set up a website to promote the campaign which asks users to nominate Bristol’s worst offending buildings. 

Helen added:

“When Blackout Bristol held its first event in April, it really helped to raise awareness of the importance of only using the energy we need.  I am pleased that the Council are supporting Friends of the Earth.  We all know there’s more to combating climate change than switching the lights off, but this is an important and symbolic gesture to show we’re serious.   Business also needs to do its bit – and I’m sure this campaign will encourage more and more companies to switch off at the end of the working day.”

[17 October 2007]