By Kari Williamson

The legal challenges focus on the UK Government's plans to slash feed-in tariff subsidies for solar installations completed after 12 December this year.

The Government is currently running a consultation into feed-in tariffs – but the 12 December cut-off point came two weeks before the consultation ends. Friends of the Earth says this premature decision is unlawful and has already led to unfinished or planned solar projects being abandoned.

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins, says: "We're delighted the High Court has given the go-ahead to our legal challenge – we believe Government plans to abruptly slash solar
subsidies are not only unfair, but illegal.

"These proposals have already had a disastrous impact on the solar industry - fledgling clean businesses have had the rug pulled from under their feet and a shadow hangs over thousands of jobs.

"Ministers must change direction and put the solar industry at the forefront of building a clean safe future."