Labour Party Conference: Ed Miliband unveils energy plans – Friends of the Earth reaction

The Shadow Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, addressed delegates in Liverpool today, outlining Labour’s plans to strengthen the UK’s energy security if the party wins at the next general election. Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Energy independence is the right aspiration, but only if it properly aligns with our climate goals. Oil and gas use for many decades to come, as promised by Ed Miliband, simply isn’t compatible with securing the safe and liveable future we so urgently need – even if coupled with fanciful technologies like carbon capture and storage.

“It’s by insulating UK homes, investing in offshore and onshore renewables and boosting the UK’s energy storage capacity that we can end our reliance on expensive, damaging fossil fuels for good, and free ourselves from the scourge of profiting energy giants raking in billions off the back of our sky-high energy bills.”

ENDS

For more information and interview requests contact the Friends of the Earth press office on 020 7566 1649 or email media@foe.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

1. Friends of the Earth spokespeople are available for interview or briefing at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.

2. About Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to the protection of the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We bring together more than two million people in 75 countries, combining people power all over the world to transform local actions into global impact. For more information visit: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/ follow us at @friends_earth, or like our Facebook page. Save paper and send an e-card today, available at http://foe.uk/ecogifting