Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ed Miliband and Lee Barron

Tuesday 10th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (Ed Miliband)]

Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. You look younger every year, if I may say so. Last week, we launched the new future homes standard, which will ensure that the vast majority of new build houses will have solar panels installed as standard. This will end the absurd situation the previous Government left where new housing was built without solar panels. We are kick-starting a solar rooftop revolution, and the upcoming solar road map will lay out how we are bringing cheap clean power to families and businesses across the country.

[Lee Barron]

Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. Only 20% of schools currently have solar panels. Brigstock Latham’s primary in my constituency does not. That is why its year 5 pupils have written to me asking for panels on their roof. They tell me that this would cut their carbon footprint, reduce bills and help improve their education. One pupil wrote:

“We may be a small school, but we can be big sometimes.”

Will my right hon. Friend support their inspiring campaign and perhaps visit these young community activists in my constituency?

[Ed Miliband]

I congratulate the pupils of Brigstock Latham’s primary school on their incredible spirit. Young people right across the country care about these issues. Also, they are pointing out something really important, which is that we have this free resource of the sun and we should use it. That is why putting solar panels on schools and elsewhere is big project for Great British Energy.