Unfair Britain must not simply transition from high carbon inequality to clean energy unfairness, according to the Energy Secretary.
Speaking at Energy UK’s Annual Conference, Ed Miliband highlighted the critical need for a faster rollout of wind and solar energy to ensure the UK’s energy security and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The Energy Secretary stressed that while the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy is essential, it must be managed in a way that does not perpetuate existing inequalities.
“As somebody who believes this country suffers from deep injustice, I’m determined we do not go from an unequal, unfair, high carbon Britain to unequal, unfair, clean energy Britain” he said.
Ed Miliband added: “We must in this transition, tackle fuel poverty, create good jobs, improve access to nature, quality of life and I passionately believe we can.”
Ed Miliband called for a strategic approach to expanding renewable energy infrastructure that also addresses fairness and economic justice.
Mr Miliband, who has returned to his role as Energy Secretary after 16 years, highlighted the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
He noted that while fossil fuels offer some security and affordability, they are no longer sustainable or reliable.
The recent energy crisis, exacerbated by global events, has shown the vulnerabilities of depending on fossil fuels.
The Energy Secretary said: “The worst cost of living crisis in a generation, driven by the unprecedented energy shock that followed Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
“It’s been a disaster for business, for family finances, for the economy, and the public finances, and it’s still cast a long shadow.
“Typical energy bills nearly doubled in the space of a year, millions struggled with real poverty, and many still face enormous debt and the government was forced to spend the eye-watering sum of 94 billion to support households with the cost of living, almost as much as our defence budget over the entire period.
“And the crisis isn’t over as Emma (Pinchbeck) rightly said. Bills will rise again next month due to the latest gyrations of global gas prices.”
