Oral Answers to Questions

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, responded to tabled questions on the government's progress towards a zero carbon electricity system by 2030. He highlighted the government's recent actions, including ending the onshore wind ban, consenting to more solar projects, and overseeing the most successful renewables auction. Miliband also discussed plans to work with local schools, hospitals, and leaders to install solar panels, and praised the development of net zero projects in Cardiff. The Conservative MP Neil O'Brien asked about the economic costing for a fully decarbonised renewables-based grid by 2030, and Miliband said the work was ongoing and the plans would be announced in due course. In the topical questions, Miliband and other ministers responded to a range of issues, including international climate diplomacy, increasing onshore wind and solar energy, improving energy security, supporting workers in high-carbon sectors, and addressing grid capacity challenges. The Shadow Secretary of State, Claire Coutinho (Conservative), criticized the government's decisions on the winter fuel allowance and questioned the cost of the government's clean energy plans. However, Miliband defended the government's actions, arguing that they were cleaning up the "mess" left by the previous Conservative government.