Labour’s at it again, rolling out yet another plan – this time Ed Miliband’s grandly titled “Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.” The plan, complete with a chirpy press release, boldly claims it will decarbonise the electricity grid while dangling the promise of “lower bills.” Though there’s no mention of Labour’s pre-election pledge that these changes would “help families save up to £300 off their energy bills.” Instead, the document hedges its bets, warning that “the precise impact we will see on bills in coming years will depend on a range of factors.” Reassuring…
Miliband hit the airwaves on the Today Programme this morning to defend his plan. Nick Robinson pressed him on the obvious flaw: what happens when “the wind doesn’t blow” or “the sun doesn’t shine?” Miliband responded with that’s “why we have [oil and gas] reserves” – an ironic nod given that renewables accounted for just 8.3% of the UK’s energy yesterday. Miliband’s plan to hit 95% renewable energy by 2030 still looks up in the air…
When pushed on why his plan wouldn’t necessarily lower bills, referencing the National Energy System Operator boss who admitted lowering prices for consumers was “not what we set out to do”, Miliband admitted that they said there was “no guarantee” his plan would lead to lower bills. Miliband finished strong: “It’s exciting… there will be bumps along the way… but this transition is unstoppable.” More hot air…
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”