Labour has pledged to take control of parts of the UK energy industry and has set a 60% renewables generation target by 2030 in a leaked draft manifesto for the country’s upcoming general election.
A number of national newspapers have today revealed the contents of the 43-page election document that is due to be finalised this week by senior party officials and leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured).
In it Labour says it will take control of National Grid and will also set up new publicly-owned regional energy companies to challenge the Big Six, according to widespread media reports.
The plans stop short of full nationalisation of the industry but vow to cap energy costs for consumers and also sets out support for renewables.
Scottish Renewables meanwhile has launched its manifesto for the 8 June election that calls on the incoming UK Government to maintain climate change goals and “unlock investment” in “lowest-cost” energy.
The document also demands that authorities “continue the growth” of less-established technologies, accelerate the decarbonisation of the heat and transport sectors, and enable local communities to benefit from “clear growth”.
Chief executive Niall Stuart said: “Advances in technology and rapid cost reductions mean that our industry can generate further economic and environmental benefit to Scotland and the UK – providing affordable energy for households and business, and driving clean growth across the country.”
Image: Labour
Labour eyes ‘control’ of UK energy
Leaked general election manifesto supports renewables expansion
By EBS