Ed Miliband says ‘watch this space’ on calls for solar panels to be on all new houses

The Shadow Climate Change and Net-Zero Secretary told the Mirror Labour was ‘very interested’ in the idea – adding: “We will say more about it”

Ed Miliband was speaking at the Green Alliance think tank (

Image: Getty Images)

All newly-built homes could be required to have solar panels on their roofs under plans set to be outlined by Labour.

Shadow Climate Change and Net-Zero Secretary Ed Miliband signalled the party backed the plan, which would help cut carbon emissions but hike costs for buyers.

The former Labour leader used a speech to the Green Alliance think tank to outline how the party would trigger a British version of Joe Biden’s landmark green energy reforms if it gets into government.

Asked by the Mirror if Labour would pass a law so all new houses had to have solar panels, Mr Miliband said: “On the solar rooftop revolution, it’s something we’re very interested in – watch this space.

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“We will say more about it, but I think there’s a huge opportunity with solar rooftops – the technology, I think it’s a huge opportunity on commercial premises and a huge opportunity in the home as well.”

He added: “We need all of these technologies.”

Labour could make them compulsory on new homes (

Image:

Mischa Keijser/Getty Images)

Mr Miliband indicated Labour would borrow money for “prudent investment” in green energy rather than hike taxes.

He revealed Labour officials had been working with experts who helped draw-up the US President’s green energy plan under the White House’s controversial Inflation Reduction Act.

Opponents have accused Washington of subsidising American industries – jeopardising free trade and competition.

Mr Miliband urged the Government to “stop moaning” about the US President’s investment plan and unveil its own, claiming ministers were “caught in the headlights”.

“As the US and Europe speed off into the distance in the global race for green industry, we are sitting back in the changing rooms moaning about the rules,” he said.

“Sore loser syndrome is not going to win the global race for Britain.

“We need to stop moaning about the Inflation Reduction Act and start matching its ambition.”

Us President Joe Biden has unveiled his Inflation Reduction Act (

Image:

Evan Vucci/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

He feared Britain was “losing the race for green jobs, standing by while other countries get ahead”, as the UK “forfeits the greatest chance of prosperity for generations”.

He added: “Joe Biden wants the future made in America – we want the future made in Britain.” The Mirror has told how campaigners want the UK to be “the cradle of the green Industrial Revolution” just as Britain gave birth to the original.

But Mr Miliband accused the Treasury of being a “long standing block on the kind of investment we need”.

He also ruled out issuing new licences for North Sea oil and gas fields.

Labour has previously set out a £3billion, 10-year plan to help the steel industry switch to more environmentally friendly production.

“I think our steel industry can survive – not only survive but thrive, but we’ve got to do this,” he said.

“We’ve had an ad-hoc, let’s-intervene-at-the last-moment-as-an-emergency bailout, and frankly that serves the steel industry incredibly badly.”

The Government is expected to unveil its latest energy security plan this week, with the “green day” coming before a deadline to respond to a High Court order and revise its net zero policies.

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