Miliband Steps Up to the Mark

Ed Miliband, the new minister for energy and climate change, has vowed to tackle the challenging tasks his department faces.

In a statement Miliband said: "I am looking forward to the responsibility of running the new Department of Energy and Climate Change and working with colleagues across government, including in particular Hilary Benn, who has led Britain's work on climate change with skill and dedication.

"The new department reflects the fact that energy policy and climate change are directly linked. My job is to make sure our policy on climate change is fair for ordinary families and our policy on energy is sustainable for future generations.

"We will do all we can to ensure affordable fuel bills for people, put Britain at the forefront of creating green jobs and play our part in ensuring every country meets the climate change challenge.

"Climate change cannot be tackled by politicians on their own but through politicians and people working together. I look forward to playing my part."