THE former leader of the Labour party visited Basingstoke where he called for more skilled jobs in the area. 

Ed Miliband, shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero, visited Basingstoke College of Technology on Thursday, March 14, with Labour parliamentary candidate Luke Murphy, to look at the college's electric vehicle centre.

During their visit, they spoke to students about alternative energy, with Mr Miliband 'particularly impressed with the positivity about the young students' calling Basingstoke a 'great place to grow up in and work in'.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Anthony Bravo, Edward Miliband, Lorraine Heath and Luke Murphy

BCoT headteacher, Anthony Bravo, told the Gazette that the students had a long discussion with Mr Miliband, about climate change, net zero, and green construction.

During the visit, Mr Miliband also spoke about the Labour Party's Green Prosperity Plan which he says would create 'thousands of opportunities for young people in the region' through creating skilled jobs in the net zero economy.

He added that the jobs are part of the party's Warm Homes Plan to upgrade homes with energy-efficient measures and low-carbon heating.

Mr Miliband said: "It’s shocking that whilst thousands of families across Basingstoke are in fuel poverty, the Government’s flagship insulation scheme has upgraded just eight households.

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"Home upgrades are the single biggest no-brainer if we want to cut energy bills and create jobs, but the government’s record is woeful.

“Labour’s Warm Homes Plan, alongside our overhaul of the skills system, will bring investment, good jobs and lower bills to towns across the South East.

"After 14 years of failure from this government, only Labour can deliver the change and investment people deserve here in Basingstoke.”

Mr Murphy added: "It was inspiring to meet the students and teachers at BCoT today to hear about the skills and knowledge they’re learning which will help them and Basingstoke power the green economy.

"Labour’s plans from creating Great British Energy to our Warm Homes Plan will help create new good jobs and opportunities right here in Basingstoke, cut bills for families who are struggling with the cost of living, and secure the greener, fairer future that we all want to see.”