Plea for action on climate change ignores evidence that doesn’t back argument

Alan Brown MP, in his otherwise excellent report (Perspective, 17 July) is only prepared to provide the evidence that supports his argument about the UK government’s inaction on climate change.

He says that if Westminster supports wind farms then electricity bills will be lower, but our bills are currently £30 per annum higher because of the cost of green energy.

If we phase out petrol and diesel cars, we also phase out the fuel tax of 68p per litre, and Mr Brown needs to explain how will that revenue be replaced.

Electricity is currently four times the price of gas per kwh, and even allowing for any inbuilt efficiences in favour of electricity, a move to all electric will at least double energy prices.

We also need to have a reliable source of energy to supply base load power when the wind does not blow ie nuclear power.

The UK is almost alone in getting anywhere near zero carbon emissions, as the rest of the world has around 5,500 coal-fired power stations, some of which are burning lignite – the filthiest fossil fuel on the planet.

Also, can Mr Brown explain how the electricity transmission system will cope with the additional demand, even allowing for a dramatic increase in the load factor.

Alan Brown seems to be more interested in promoting the SNP’S political agenda than saving the planet.

JAMES MACINTYRE Clarendon Road, Linlithgow

A simple challenge for Alan Brown MP; read your own electricity and gas bills, then tell us which energy source has a lower unit cost and thus which is cheaper. The figure you are looking for is the unit cost in kwh or kilowatt hours.

You will find that your unit cost of electricity is around four times that of gas. That means it will cost four times as much to heat your home with electricity rather than mains gas.

Now for are a rather tougher challenge for Mr Brown; explain how switching from a cheaper to a much more expensive source of energy for heating will cut fuel poverty.

The explanation should take account of some uncomfortable facts: firstly, that we are phasing out cheaper, reliable sources of electrical power, which provide base load electricity, in favour of expensive part-time sources.

Secondly, that as we phase out the use of petrol and diesel for transport, as well as gas for heating, demand for electricity will massively increase.

And thirdly, that the taxes currently levied on petrol and diesel will have to be levied on something else.

When you can’t provide such an explanation, admit that you are wrong.

OTTO INGLIS Inveralmond Grove, Edinburgh