Solar panels for UK schools will be sourced from China

Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband faced backlash after revealing that solar panels for schools and hospitals will be sourced from China. This decision raised concerns as China is known to be the world’s largest polluter. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith criticized Miliband, claiming that the UK is relying on a "totalitarian state." He pointed out that while Britain emits just one percent of worldwide carbon emissions, it is turning to China for clean energy solutions. Downing Street stated that the solar panels will adhere to "the highest security standards" as part of a £200 million project. Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision. He emphasized that interaction with China is unavoidable, given the country's significant role in global energy supply chains. Transporting goods from China to the UK can produce a large amount of carbon emissions. A single shipping trip can release up to 900 metric tons of CO2. In addition, Miliband also acknowledged that energy costs are set to rise due to an increase in the price cap on variable tariffs by Ofgem.