A huge expansion of wind power, home insulation and "smart" electricity meters are among climate change measures being planned by Labour.

Michael Foster MP has given his support for the Government’s Energy White Paper, the ‘Low Carbon Transition Plan’, which was released on Wednesday.

"I welcome moves to help us cut emissions - it is our responsibility as a country to do our bit. 

"But these moves are not just good for the environment. They will also mean fairer energy bills whilst the boost for green industry is good news for jobs in Hastings and Rye. I am pleased that there will be more help for people to make their homes greener and save money. 

“I want the UK to be the first major developed country to convert to low carbon living, and the first to reap the benefits.  With less than 150 days left until global climate talks in Copenhagen, and with the challenges of coming out of recession, our Transition Plan will build a better, cleaner, greener UK.”

Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Climate Change said:

“I want to thank Michael Foster MP for all the campaigning he has done pushing the government to take action on climate change.

“Our Transition Plan pushes the pace of change. We’re providing new ways of helping people be smarter with the energy they use and enabling UK firms to grow by leading the world in advanced green technologies.  We will protect people on low incomes and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels imported from unstable parts of the world.

Notes for Editors

1. Jobs

§        The UK will lead the world in converting to low carbon living, and the first to reap the benefits. The transition brings massive job and growth opportunity. 

§        Today sees a series of Labour Government interventions to make the UK a leader in low carbon goods and services.  1.2 million people will be in green jobs by 2015.

2. Fairness

§        The Labour Government is bringing in new proposals to protect the vulnerable.  We’re bringing in mandatory social tariffs, and we’re strengthening Ofgem to protect the consumer

§        Labour’s plan means going green in our homes will pay for people.  Clean energy cashbacks, Pay-as-you-save refurbs and smart meters will all help shave hundreds of pounds off bills in green households.

3. Security

§        40% of the country's electricity will come from low carbon sources by 2020, that’s double today.  We will use renewables, nuclear and clean coal. 

§        This is the right choice for energy security. By building up low-carbon homegrown energy supplies, we can avoid an ever increasing dependence on imports.

4. Modernity:

Our Transition Plan pushes the pace of change.

§        We’re bringing in new ways of helping householders and communities be smarter with the energy they use

§        We’re enabling UK firms to grow by leading the world in advanced green technologies.

§        We’re setting an international standard for other countries in the run up to Copenhagen.