Energy Secretary issues message to staff

Ed Miliband outlined his priorities for the department in a message to staff following his appointment as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

He said in his letter: "I wanted to write to you personally to say what an honour and a privilege it is to have been appointed to this position. I am inspired to have the chance to lead the department and work with you all."

He said the role "speaks directly to the twin passions that continue to motivate me," those being resolving economic inequality and tackling the climate crisis.

He added that the department will be "at the heart" of the new government’s agenda, leading one of the prime minister’s five national missions to make Britain a clean energy superpower with zero carbon electricity by 2030.

Miliband said: "Families and businesses across the country are still struggling with energy bills that are too high and are expected to rise again in the autumn."

His priorities include boosting energy independence and cutting bills through clean power by 2030, upgrading Britain’s homes and cutting fuel poverty through our Warm Homes Plan, and standing up for consumers by reforming our energy system.

He concluded: "Having been the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2008 to 2010, arriving at the department feels like coming home. Back then, I saw first-hand the brilliant work that civil servants do and I know how hard you have worked on behalf of the country in the years since."