Voluntary Sector: Taking Action ... Our Solar Future vs DECC

Protesters: Our Solar Future
Target: Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
Location: Houses of Parliament
Date: 22 November

The lowdown

More than 500 protesters supporting Our Solar Future descended on Parliament to campaign against the Government's decision to cut the amount paid to people who generate electricity from solar panels. Activists carrying billboards and wearing high-visibility jackets marched to Westminster's Emmanuel Centre, where they were addressed by speakers such as shadow energy and climate secretary Caroline Flint and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.

Why the protest?

The Government plans to halve the 'feed-in tariffs' for people who generate electricity from domestic panels. Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins said: 'The solar industry has been one of the UK's success stories of the past two years, helping homes and communities free themselves from expensive fossil fuels. We believe these plans are illegal as well as ill-advised, so we are taking action to bring ministers to court.'

How did the DECC respond?

The DECC maintains that the scale and timing of the cuts are necessary to stop the scheme exceeding its budget.

How did the media cover it?

There was little press coverage, as Occupy continued to dominate the media. Coverage was focused on trade websites such as Solar Power Portal, Business Green and Solar Server.