Coaltion energy policy 'not credible'

16th September 2010

Ed Miliband has accused the coalition of "short sightedness" when it comes to developing a green economy.

Speaking in the Commons this morning, the shadow energy secretary warned that the government was "cutting investment necessary for our economic future".

Miliband said the previous Labour government had approved £60m to improve port facilities necessary to aid the development of offshore wind and called on energy secretary Chris Huhne to confirm the new government would also invest the money.

He said there could be "no credible plan for deficit reduction" if there was "no credible plan for growth and jobs".

Huhne told MPs that it was "extremely important" for the future of offshore wind energy that the country had a supply chain capable of supporting the industry.

But he cautioned: "All of the spending decisions of the government are subject to the comprehensive spending review; it wouldn’t be comprehensive if they weren’t."

And pressed by Miliband to "scotch" rumours that he would scrap the construction of four demo projects for clean coal technology, Huhne said the government was having to make "extremely tough choices" when it came to spending.

"We have had to clear up the legacy of his government," he said.

But the Lib Dem secretary of state said the coalition agreement did contain provision for four carbon capture and storage projects.

"On the negotiation side for the Conservatives was the current chancellor, so I think he is as aware as everyone else of the importance of these matters," he said.

He added: "I'm confidence the government will come forward with a plan which will make further and accelerated progress towards a low carbon economy."

Miliband may have been appearing in the Commons for the last time in his current role, as now appears to be neck-and-neck with his older brother David in the race for the top job in their party.

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