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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Business
Hakim Hafazalla

Renewables can help with cost of living crisis - but government has left us exposed, says Ed Miliband

Ed Miliband has vowed that if we use renewable energy to power our country, it would cut bills by £93 million.

The Shadow Secretary of Climate Change told MEN that Renewable energy such as solar and wind are nine times cheaper gas. This follows on after Miliband visited the town hall for 'climate crisis talks' and to show support to Labour's new MP candidate, Andrew Western.

Ed Miliband praised Andrew Western for his work as the ex-leader of the Trafford Council.

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Ed Miliband (right) says Andrew Western (left) is 'needed' at the Labour party. (Trafford Council)

"He's been the Greater Manchester lead on green issues, he's a great environmental leader, he's shown fantastic imagination and he's been responsible for a lot of the work on decarbonising public buildings," the former Labour leader said.

'"Andy will be a great MP. He will bring great strength to our benches in the House of Commons. We need him in parliament to fight for local people."

Trafford is currently the leading borough from use of renewable energy in Manchester. It has more electrical charging points than any other area.

Trafford has the most electric charging points of any area in Manchester. (PA)

In the Labour party's eyes, the focus right now should not be on saving the planet although that is important, but rather to look at the living crisis currently affecting millions.

Ed Miliband said: "Yes we want to save the planet, but we need to help the people struggling with the living crisis. The government aren't doing the investments we need.

"They've left us exposed, they've blocked solar and they haven't insulated homes. They are bringing very little to the table. They've made a terrible mess of the economy and people are paying the price."

The MEN has approached the government for a response to Ed Miliband's comments but are yet to receive an answer.

It is currently estimated that over 19 million homes in the UK are without insulation leaving the potential for bill costs to spike.

19 million homes are estimated to be without insulation in the UK. (Getty Images)

Ed Miliband said: "Electricity demand will double in the next 20-25 years because of things like electric cars so it's important we start to use renewable energy.

"We are planning to open a publicly owned energy generation company called GB energy. This will benefit us, the people.

"Labours objective is by 2030, all of our electricity will be powered by renewable energy."

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