UNIONS in Dorset are urging the Government to launch a ‘green industrial revolution’ as part of a long-term strategy for a more sustainable economy.

Regional secretary of the South West TUC Nigel Costley said ministers should follow the lead of US president-elect Barack Obama who plans to invest 150 billion dollars on renewable energy over the next decade.

Mr Costley said: “While measures are needed to minimise the impact of the economic downturn the Government also needs a long-term strategy to ensure that the UK emerges with a more equal and sustainable economy.

“We must restore a sense of balance to an economy that has become heavily dependent on the finance industry.

“There should be a green industrial revolution to make our economy more sustainable and competitive in the long term. Investing in areas such as clean coal technology and micro-generation will create jobs and give our manufacturing industry a much-needed boost. It would also help the UK to meet our ambitious target to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent by the middle of this century.”

Meanwhile, one Dorset MP has been urged to kick-start a green energy future.

West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin was asked to back a campaign to drop plans for more coal power stations and back renewable energy when he met Greenpeace volunteers.

The meeting followed an event in Dorchester when shoppers were encouraged to ‘give coal the boot’ by stamping their footprints on sheets of paper.

Greenpeace volunteer Pete Barker of Wool said: “We’re asking MPs to add their footprints to this campaign and give coal the boot, and they can do this by supporting a strong Climate Change Bill in Parliament, on behalf of all their constituents, who want coal to be given the boot.”

Mr Barker said burning coal was the most environmentally-damaging way of generating electricity.