LONDON, April 23 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron's promise to build a green government has come under fire by business leaders and environmentalists.
A year ago Cameron said he would lead "the greenest government ever," but critics say since he took office he has watered down efforts to advance environmental programs, The Guardian reported.
One investor said Cameron's government threatens to "choke off the lifeblood of the green economy." Another green investor said he is "bitterly disappointed" in Cameron.
"Until the treasury is firmly and visibly behind the low carbon transition and the shift to a green economy and green financial services, then the rest of government will inevitably struggle," said Penny Shepherd, chief executive of UKSIF, the United Kingdom's leading group representing investors specializing in green investments.
Jeremy Leggett, founder of green business Solarcentury, echoed those comments. "I am bitterly disappointed," Leggett said. "I was impressed by the promise of the greenest government ever."
A report by from the U.S.-based Pew Environment Group said Britain is falling behind in its green endeavors. It said the United Kingdom went from third in the world in green investment to 13th, coming in well behind developing countries such as India, China and Brazil.
