The Government's new Energy Bill must prioritise low carbon power, say five of Britain's major Churches.

In a statement published in Wednesday's (20 February) Financial Times, the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of Scotland, Methodist Church, Quakers and United Reformed Church join other major organisations in calling on the Government to make Britain a low-carbon economy.

The full statement reads, 'The Energy Bill represents a major opportunity to put the UK firmly on track to becoming a world leading low-carbon economy, boost employment and show genuine leadership in the fight against dangerous climate change.

'Our organisations jointly call on Members of Parliament to seize this unique opportunity to commit the UK in the Energy Bill to have a near carbon free power sector by 2030, in line with the recommendations of the Committee on Climate Change.

'We represent different parts of society but are united in the belief that a low-carbon power sector is essential to secure the future wellbeing of our economy, our environment and future generations.'

'We can't keep burning gas and coal as if climate change doesn't exist,' said Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church. 'By acting decisively now, the Government can set a clear course for generating cleaner energy and ensure a more sustainable future for us all.'