Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband has committed the UK to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050 as a major contribution to a global deal on climate change.
In a wide-ranging Commons statement, his first since being appointed to the new Department of Energy and Climate Change, Miliband backed the recommendations of Lord Turner's Climate Change Committee and said the Government would make the target binding in law by amending the Climate Change Bill currently going through Parliament.
The minister spoke of plans to bring an amendment to the Energy Bill, also currently before the House, to introduce a 'feed in tariff' to support small scale renewables, and to make a further announcement soon on encouraging renewable heat.
The speech made clear, unless energy companies demonstrate action to end overcharging for many customers on pre-payment meters, Miliband was prepared to consult on legislation to end unfair pricing differentials.
Commenting on the government's 80% target, John Cridland, deputy director-general of business organisation the CBI, said: "This is an ambitious target, and one where business will play a crucial role, providing low-carbon energy sources and improving the country's energy efficiency. However, the government must ensure we have the right policies in place to reach this target. It is essential that the Planning Bill, currently being debated in the House of Lords, is passed to allow the building of renewable energy sources and new power stations, as well as other important energy infrastructure.
"The good news is that the steps needed to achieve this target, are the same as those that would deliver security of energy supply for us all."
