‘So does (Mr Miliband) agree with the scientists that whilst ambitious clean power plans are hugely welcome, if his Government also backs airport expansion, it’s not going to meet its climate obligations? ‘
Heathrow Airport’s expansion will only proceed if it aligns with climate targets, Ed Miliband has declared.
During energy questions on Tuesday morning, the Energy Secretary emphasised that any airport extension must comply with existing carbon budgets and environmental restrictions. Last week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced support for a range of major projects, including a third runway at Heathrow, as part of a speech focused on stimulating economic growth throughout the UK.
Despite previous opposition from Mr Miliband due to environmental concerns, Ms Reeves confirmed that the Cabinet is “united” in endorsing the third runway plans. In the Commons, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer raised concerns, stating: “Experts are clear the savings from the Government’s clean power action plan will be wiped out by 2050 if airport expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton goes ahead.
“Relying on so-called sustainable aviation fuels would use up to half of the UK’s agricultural land. So does (Mr Miliband) agree with the scientists that whilst ambitious clean power plans are hugely welcome, if his Government also backs airport expansion, it’s not going to meet its climate obligations? “.
Responding to these concerns, the Energy Secretary stated: “Any aviation expansion – this is the point the Chancellor made last week – has to take place within carbon budgets and within environmental limits. What I would just say to her also is that in six months, this Government has achieved certainly more than the last government did in 14 years.”
“We’ve lifted the on-shore wind ban, we’ve consented nearly 3GW of solar, GB Energy, the National Wealth Fund, the most successful renewables auction in history. This Government is delivering on clean power.”
During the session, Mr Miliband and energy ministers defended the job creation potential of GB Energy and urged MPs with concerns on infrastructure being built in their constituency to “support taking back control”. Shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie referred to comments made by GB Energy boss, Juergen Maier, who said it could take as long as 20 years to meet the company’s pledge to employ 1,000 people, and declined to say when bills would begin to fall.
Mr Bowie asked: “Can I ask on behalf of the tens of thousands of energy workers worried for the future, and indeed the millions watching their energy bills rise yet again. Does he agree with the, now very interim, chairman?”
In response, Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “I have to say to the shadow minister, he must be the only member of parliament representing Aberdeenshire who is against investment in Aberdeenshire, and he will have to explain to his constituents, to businesses right across his community, why he stands up and opposes investment in his constituency.”
Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice said: “Will the Secretary of State confirm to the House, when will the bills come down, or will Net Stupid Zero mean they’ll only ever go up? “
To which Mr Miliband responded: “This is a decision for all members of the House to make. We are currently on the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets, we have no control over them.
“Now the mission of this Government is to take back control. Take back control with clean, home grown power. I urge him and members across the House – support taking back control.”
Meanwhile, Sammy Wilson, DUP MP for East Antrim, issued a warning about the potential financial burden of net-zero policies: “Consumers can never be insulated against the massive cost of this mad net-zero policy which is going to require thousands of new turbines, acres of solar farms, miles of new transmission lines, all to the cost of the consumer”.
Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: “At the moment, families are not insulated from fossil fuel markets. We have seen one of the worst energy crises that has had a huge impact on the cost of living. The status quo is not tenable.”
Mr Miliband also told MPs that “local communities should have a say” in the creation of infrastructure, but “we’ve got a decision to make as a country”.
He said: “Do we build the clean energy infrastructure to protect us from volatile fossil fuel markets? Or doom businesses, families and the public finances – £94bn that were spent during the energy bills crisis – or do we remain exposed? I know what I choose. We protect ourselves.”
