Aldersgate Group reaction: Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP speech at Labour conference

Reacting to Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP’s announcements at Labour conference, Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director at the Aldersgate Group, said: “We welcome Ed Miliband’s high ambition across the board and his recognition of the need to bring the benefits of clean energy to everyone. In particular, it’s great to hear the positive statement of intent on bringing homes up to a comfortable standard; we look forward to seeing this followed swiftly by a clear delivery plan and a commitment to see the initiative through. Previous policy measures to address energy efficiency in our homes have been uncoordinated and inconsistent, leading to chronically slow progress in an area that is fundamental to lowering bills and cutting emissions. This new certainty will be the difference between success and failure and will drive much-needed sector investment. To maximise this opportunity, it will be crucial that we also see a focus on developing the skills we need across the economy so that the laudable high ambitions can be delivered on the ground.”