Energy and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Debate between Ed Miliband and Caroline Spelman

Thursday 27th May 2010 Commons Chamber

[Edward Miliband]

I do not agree with that. The question for Britain is whether to meet our security of supply needs in a high-carbon way, by building gas-fired power stations, or in a low-carbon way, by building renewables and nuclear. That is why what I am saying is so important.

[The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman)]

rose—

[Edward Miliband]

Oh, some help from the right hon. Lady. How kind of her.

[Mrs Spelman]

Coming very recently from a Department for Communities and Local Government brief, I can help all Members of the House on this. It was the original Conservative plan, and is now the coalition’s plan, to allow local communities to keep the business rate from the tariff that comes with the wind Bill, so that communities who take wind turbines in their local communities will also gain from them. That is part of promoting that form of renewable energy.

[Edward Miliband]

I am sure that the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change will be very grateful for that help from his right hon. Friend, but I do not think that that is enough. Let me explain why. I gave that quote not to embarrass him, but to raise a very important issue.