Oral Answers to Questions

Monica Harding Excerpts
Tuesday 29th April 2025

(3 weeks, 1 day ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Shanks Portrait Michael Shanks
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My hon. Friend is right to point out that public charging points are critical. That is why the regulator, Ofgem, allocated £22 billion over the next five years to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure. I have had a number of meetings with network operators about this question, and I work closely with my colleagues in the Department for Transport to ensure we are rolling out more points.

Monica Harding Portrait Monica Harding (Esher and Walton) (LD)
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My constituents continue to face higher electricity bills—among the highest in the country at approximately £961 per year. One of my local hairdressers tells me that their electricity has gone up from £150 to £450 a month. Will the Government commit to bolder policies by easing restrictions on solar and wind power and driving investment in renewables to help struggling businesses?

Ed Miliband Portrait Ed Miliband
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The hon. Lady is 100% right—clean, home-grown power is the answer—so that is an unequivocal yes.