Environment Secretary Steve Reed has defended the Government's net zero policies after criticism from former Prime Minister Tony Blair, describing his comments as "helpful".
Blair had suggested the Government's approach was "doomed to fail", but Reed stood firm on the administration's strategy.
Speaking to GB News, Reed explained the rationale behind current policies, emphasising the importance of energy independence.
The Environment Secretary argued that generating more energy domestically through wind, wave, solar and nuclear would allow Britain to "take back control of our own energy".
Tony Blair's remarks on net zero have been welcomed by Steve Reed, who branded them 'helpful'
Getty / GB News
"If we can take back control of our own energy by generating more of it here at home, wind, wave, solar and nuclear, we can guarantee the supplies because we control them," Reed told GB News.
He stressed this approach would ensure "prices are maintained at an affordable level, rather than allowing the behaviour of Vladimir Putin to dictate what goes on".
The Environment Secretary repeatedly emphasised the security benefits of energy independence.
"That enhances national security, it grows the economy, and it keeps prices lower for households in the country," he said.
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Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has claimed that Labour's current net zero policies are 'doomed to fail'
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When pressed specifically on Blair's criticism, Reed maintained his position: "75 per cent of carbon emissions come from fossil fuels," he noted, reiterating that Government policy aims to address both environmental concerns and energy security simultaneously.
Reed acknowledged Blair's call for greater investment in carbon capture technology, saying: "I agree with what he's saying there."
"This Government is investing £22billion in that technology. That's a record," he told GB News.
The Environment Secretary welcomed Blair's intervention in the debate, branding it "helpful".
Reed told GB News that the Government must 'manage the transition' to net zero
GB News
"I think it's helpful that Tony Blair has raised this, actually, because it is a concern that people have in the elections that we're facing," Reed said.
He suggested the former Prime Minister's comments provided an opportunity for public discussion on energy policy.
"It's good that it gives the opportunity to people to come and have this debate," he added.
Reed emphasised the need for pragmatism in managing the transition: "We have to manage the transition in a way that people and the economy can go along with it.
"It creates new jobs in the industrial heartlands of our country, good, secure jobs for the future."
