The Prime Minister must decide if energy minister John Hayes is the right man for the job after his anti-wind comments to journalists yesterday put him at odds with his own department.

Writing for the Guardian today, Caroline Lucas MP criticised the minister's attack on onshore wind and called for improvements in policy to ensure that communities are able to benefit from renewable projects.

Caroline said: "In light of these remarks, it's astonishing that energy minister John Hayes has been allowed to keep responsibility for delivering renewables policy.

"This is the latest intervention in a co-ordinated campaign by an anti-renewables lobby with vested interests in propping up the declining fossil fuel industries.

"The truth is that the UK has some of the best wind resources in the world, with onshore wind already playing a lead role in renewable electricity generation.

"And DECC's own figures show that this is one of the cheapest renewable technologies we have.

"At a time when fossil fuel prices are rising, the costs of onshore wind are falling – already making it possible for the government to reduce the subsidy.

"Attempts to blame recent energy bill rises on support for onshore wind and other renewables have already been demolished.

"From Ofgem and the committee on climate change, we know that the rise in wholesale gas prices has been the primary culprit when it comes to bill rises – not subsidies for renewables."

The Green MP called for a far greater focus on community ownership in order to give people a stake in renewable energy projects.

"Whether you believe that wind turbines are an attractive addition to the landscape or a hideous blemish on this green and pleasant land is a personal matter.

"But polls have indicated that the majority of people are in favour of wind energy - YouGov poll for the Sunday Times found that 69% of the public want the current level of wind increased or maintained.

"Importantly, when communities feel like they have a stake in these projects, support for wind becomes even greater. According to an ICM poll, 49% of people would support a wind turbine within two miles of their home, but if the project were community-owned, support rose to 68% and opposition plummeted to 7%.

"So if the government is serious about creating a secure, home-grown energy supply and a new generation of green jobs, it must recognise the flaws in the upcoming energy bill that could make our energy system an even more hostile environment for community projects."

Caroline continued: "At this turning point in the UK's energy policy, the potential for onshore and offshore wind to create jobs, improve energy security and reduce emissions cannot be ignored.

"So rather than allowing ministers to peddle anti-wind propaganda, Cameron must confirm his support for renewables in no uncertain terms – and decide if Hayes has a future in the energy department at all."

ENDS