The National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ (NFWI) welcomes E.On’s decision to delay the building of the new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent, and believes it is an extremely positive step forward in tackling the global threat of climate change.

Ruth Bond, Chair of the NFWI, said: “The NFWI hopes that the move by E.On will give the UK Government more credibility and provide the opportunity for them to show real leadership and push for a better deal on climate change at the UN conference in Copenhagen this December.”

WI members have campaigned on environmental issues for over 80 years, most recently through the launch of the Women and Climate Change campaign, which saw WI members take to the fields of the Kingsnorth site this summer to express their concerns and speak out against E.On’s proposals.

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For further information please contact Jennie Farrell or Amy Bick at the National Federation of Women’s Institutes on 020 7371 9300 or pr@nfwi.org.uk.  

Notes to editors:

1. The WI is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK with more than 205,000 members in 6,500 WIs. It plays a unique role in enabling women to develop new skills, giving them opportunities to campaign on issues that matter to them and their communities, and provides wide-ranging activities for members to get involved in.
2. WI members have campaigned on environmental causes for many years. In 1927, the WI campaigned on clearing the seas of oil pollution and discouraging manufacturers from using CFCs in 1988. More recently, in 2007, 10,000 people took part in our challenge to save 20% of their carbon emissions, saving the carbon equivalent to driving around the world 2,300 times. The WI has also run projects in local communities, establishing Eco Teams to assist households in reducing their waste output and reducing food waste through the Love Food Champions project. At the moment, members are being made aware of how climate change affects other women around the world through the Women Reaching Women project
3. For further information please visit www.theWI.org.uk