Energy
The View from 22 — Britain’s shale gas dilemma, the ruling elite and the Queen’s Speech
Will Britain’s lack of enthusiasm for shale gas result in a collapse of the government’s whole energy policy? In this week’s Spectator cover feature, Peter Lilley writes we will soon… Continue reading
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The View from 22 special — Fuel Wars: how to get the best deal for the consumers
In association in Centrica How can consumers ensure they are receiving the best possible deal for their energy bills? In this special View from 22 podcast, the Spectator’s political editor… Continue reading
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Mini reshuffle shows Cameron trying to get a grip
The mini reshuffle earlier this morning is significant. David Cameron has moved Tory ‘greybeards’ to address problem areas. Cameron’s twitter feed has announced: ‘Delighted John Hayes joining me as a… Continue reading
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The quiet global energy revolution
In all the noise of tomorrow’s Budget, many may not spot a small tweak to the fiscal regime for UK oil and gas. Those of us with a close interest… Continue reading
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The UK needs a serious debate on shale gas
Arguments over the potential development of UK shale gas resources are too often characterised by rhetoric and hyperbole on both sides. Some of the wilder claims need to be challenged… Continue reading
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Grey launch day for Green Deal
The Tories in opposition were very keen on their ‘Green Deal’ for making existing housing stock energy efficient. It formed the cornerstone of their pledge when the Coalition formed to… Continue reading
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No Country for Green Men - Spectator Blogs
This week’s Think Scotland column takes a gander, just for once, at the Scottish Green party. Patrick Harvie’s party is in favour of Scottish independence for reasons that, frankly, seem… Continue reading
13 Comments Osborne to back fracking and 30 new gas power stations
Coalition tensions over energy won’t relax with George Osborne’s gas strategy, which he will launch alongside the Autumn Statement tomorrow. The Financial Times reports that the Chancellor’s strategy will approve… Continue reading
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The politics of energy
When David Cameron made his surprise announcement about forcing energy companies to offer customers their cheapest deal, he added, as an afterthought, that the leader of the opposition had missed… Continue reading
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The energy sector’s Libor-style scandal
As David reported earlier, today’s Guardian carries allegations of price-fixing in the energy markets. The paper has an account by Seth Freedman, who worked as a price reporter at ICIS… Continue reading
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Tuition fees push inflation back up to 2.7%
After falling to 2.2 per cent in September, inflation — as measured by the Consumer Prices Index — rose to 2.7 per cent in October. On the Retail Prices Index,… Continue reading
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Government responds well to energy price fixing claims
It is a busy day on the economic front, with new inflation figures (which are expected to show an increase) to be released at 9.30am and Ed Davey, the energy secretary,… Continue reading
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Politicians shouldn’t meddle with energy prices
David Cameron’s announcement in the House of Commons on Wednesday – that he would force energy companies to give people the lowest tariff – caused a stir. The Downing Street… Continue reading
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Energy bills row: Cameron clarifies his surprise announcement
David Cameron has arrived in Brussels for a meeting of the European Council, and has offered further helpful clarification of what exactly he means to do about energy bills. The… Continue reading
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How David Cameron fluffed a key cost of living announcement on energy
The Conservatives are worried that voters are deserting them over the rising cost of living, yet their leader has managed to fluff an announcement designed to remedy that problem. Yesterday… Continue reading
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Lib Dem conference: Ed Davey says he’s ‘not for turning’ on a green future
Though it was never going to make the earth move, Ed Davey’s speech to the Liberal Democrat conference highlighted the party’s push for differentiation on the green agenda. The Energy… Continue reading
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Alex Salmond’s wind farm delusion
Last year, in an interview with the Today programme, the chief executive of National Grid told the show’s no doubt stunned listeners that they would have to get used to… Continue reading
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The blue vs yellow fight to make green policy
Ed Davey has managed to win his first major battle as Energy Secretary – against the might of the Treasury, no less. James blogged earlier in the week that the battle between… Continue reading
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The Treasury sides with the consumer over climate policy
Tim Yeo is now posing as a friend of the consumer. Launching the latest report from the Energy and Climate Change Committee this morning, he attacked the Treasury for ‘refusing to back… Continue reading
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Davey takes aim at the winter fuel payment
On Monday, David Cameron reiterated his opposition to scrapping the winter fuel payment as a universal benefit. During his speech on welfare, the Prime Minister said: ‘There is also a… Continue reading
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