Britons should ‘embrace’ onshore and offshore wind, says Ed Miliband

Leader of the Labour party Ed Miliband has called for Britain to “embrace” both onshore and offshore wind farms. He added that the party’s manifesto for the next election would include renewable energy commitments.

According to the Telegraph, Miliband said, “I understand the reasons why people worry about wind turbines in particular places. People always have to have the right to make their objections, planning issues and so on.

“I do think personally that we have got to embrace in general both offshore and onshore wind situated in the right way.”

In addition to considering where wind farms should be placed for aesthetic reasons, Miliband, who was also energy secretary between 2008 and 2010, added that they should be placed where they can “make a difference” and generate significant amounts of electricity.

Miliband’s remarks follow reports that the Conservatives could pledge to cut back on onshore wind farms in the party’s next election manifesto. A source said that David Cameron was “of one mind” with some of the strongest opponents to onshore turbines, adding he was prepared to “go further” in cutting back on their rollout.

In contrast to this, Miliband added that Labour “will have manifesto commitment on green energy”.

Earlier this year consultancy firm EY said that “mixed signals” and political uncertainty for renewables led to investor confidence in the sector decreasing, potentially putting £330 billion of investment at risk. The organisation had previously warned, “Political point scoring over rising energy bills has intensified energy policy tensions across the various parties”.

A recent poll suggested that two-thirds of the public would back wind farms over fracking, leading to claims that the government is ignoring public opinion.

Photo: Chauncey Davis via Flickr  

Further reading:

Poll: two-thirds of Britons favour wind power over fracking

Locals receive ‘windfall’ payments from Good Energy after wind farm performs well

Wind farms an ‘attractive long-term’ investment opportunity

Green Investment Bank to support onshore wind sector

Why is the ‘greenest government ever’ reportedly curbing onshore wind?