Ed Miliband says Great Yarmouth has huge energy potential

Visiting East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston, the shadow energy secretary, said he could "see the future unfolding" as he encountered students keen to see more investment in renewables - both for lower energy bills and better opportunities on the job market.

Mr Miliband, who visited the college with shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson and parliamentary candidates for Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, said "there is huge potential" for the area.

Former Labour leader and shadow energy secretary, Ed Miliband. (Image: James Weeds) "When I was talking with young people here, they were aspiring advocates for jobs in the renewable sector," said Mr Miliband.

"This is the future. 

"And with Great British Energy - a new publicly owned energy company - we think this could create jobs in Great Yarmouth. And with Keir Cozens banging on my door he will be making sure that Great Yarmouth gets its fair share."

Ed Miliband (right) shaking hands with a student while ENSF principal Dr Catherin Richards showed Labour's Keir Cozens, Bridget Phillipson and Mr Miliband around the college. (Image: James Weeds) The shadow energy secretary said the public company will be funded by a windfall tax on the "very, very large profits" of oil and gas companies. Mr Miliband added that energy security is "desperately needed" to create good jobs, to get bills down and to prevent the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The former Labour leader said if his party wins the election on July 4, Labour "will get going from day one on projects like Great British Energy".

THE HOPE FOR EDUCATION

Despite Keir Starmer rowing back on the promise of scrapping tuition fees in 2020, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said there is much hope for students in Norfolk.

Shadow education secretary, Bridget Phillipson. (Image: James Weeds) "We will deliver more apprenticeships for our young people so they get the chance to succeed," Ms Phillipson said. 

"And right here in Yarmouth, we've got the potential for lots more highly skilled, well-paid jobs people can benefit from."

Students speaking with Ed Miliband and Bridget Phillipson. (Image: James Weeds) The shadow education secretary added that she wants people throughout their working lives to have the chance to "upskill and retrain" to be able to compete in the job market.

Ms Phillipson said Labour's national pledge for 6,500 new teachers, 3,000 new primary schools and apprenticeships and technical colleges will be funded by adding VAT on private school fees.

KEIR COZENS' CAMPAIGN TRAIL

As the hotly-contested Great Yarmouth seat continues, Labour candidate Keir Cozens said he is keeping the campaign positive.

Great Yarmouth Labour candidate Keir Cozens. (Image: James Weeds) He said: "You've got to work for every single vote and there is no complacency in our campaign.

"We're keeping our campaign focused on the issues that people have raised with me over the last year."

READ MORE: Keir Starmer visits Great Yarmouth to launch new high streets plan

Mr Cozens said getting the NHS back on its feet, especially with dental appointments and long waiting lists, and tackling antisocial behaviour remains high concerns for many people in the constituency.

"We know there are some improvements we need to make across Yarmouth, Gorleston and the villages, and our campaign remains focused on these changes," he added.

When asked whether Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will be making another trip to the town, Mr Cozens made no promises. But he added: "There's lots happening for the final two weeks of the campaign."