Labour’s low-carbon plans look like sensible economic policy

Keir Starmer's proposals closely match advice given by energy economists and won praise from unions and business

A publicly owned energy company, insulation for every British home, carbon-free power by the end of the decade - the Labour conference showed Keir Starmer putting a low-carbon future firmly at the centre of his economic plans.

Crucially, however, these announcements were not just green in intent - they are mainly aimed at tackling the soaring cost of living, and at levelling up" the UK's regions. With the world in the grip of a gas crisis while renewable energy has tumbled in price, the real costs of fossil fuel addiction are increasingly clear, and a low-carbon energy system looks the economic choice.

A 60bn plan to insulate 19 million UK homes over the next decade, permanently saving about 1,000 per household on energy bills, set out by Ed Miliband.

A low-carbon electricity sector by 2030.

Boosting fledgling green" hydrogen technology, through the national wealth fund set out by the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves.

Electric vehicle development, also through the national wealth fund.

Adopting green steel technology, to reduce carbon emissions and end reliance on fossil fuels.

Moves to decarbonise the UK's heavy industry.