Shadow minister talks about new green initiatives at Imperial

Shadow minister outlines his party’s plans for a sustainable UK – News

Tuesday 23 November 2009
by Colin Smith

The shadow chancellor of the exchequer visited Imperial College London today to meet with academics, undergraduates and environmentalists and to discuss the Conservative party’s plans for an environmentally sustainable economy.

George Osborne MP had a private meeting with Sir Roy Anderson, Rector of Imperial, to discuss how science and technology research can improve the UK’s international competitiveness. The Rector then escorted Mr Osborne to the Imperial College Business School, where Mr Osborne outlined his party’s strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, while creating a sustainable economy for the future.

Sir Roy Anderson said: “It’s highly appropriate that the Shadow Chancellor should take an interest in green technologies since these have huge economic as well as environmental potential. Products and solutions developed at places like Imperial will ensure the UK’s economic competitiveness on the global stage.”

After the speech, Mr Osborne answered questions about his proposals from academics, environmentalists, the media and students.

George Osborne talks to students after his speech

This is the second time that Mr Osborne has visited the College as shadow chancellor. In February 2008, he announced the creation of a working group, co-chaired by Imperial’s Professor Nagy Habib, which drew up a detailed roadmap for rolling out green technology incubators, similar to Imperial’s.