Energy Secretary backs Government cuts to renewables

Mrs Rudd also emphasised the Tories’ support for fracking in the UK, citing the US’ success in reducing emissions through the controversial method.

In her speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester last week, Mrs Rudd claimed the party had followed through on their manifesto, which she believes would have been impossible under the coalition.

She said: “I support cutting subsidies, not because I am an anti-green Conservative, but because I am a proud green Conservative on the side of the consumer.

“We must be tough on subsidies. Only then can we deliver the change we need."

The Government’s use of fracking was supported by Hastings & Rye MP Mrs Rudd, as she explained that a transformation in global energy will only happen if low-carbon energy becomes cheaper than alternative fuels.

She said: "The only long-term way to solve the real tension between affordability, security and low carbon is to discover low-cost, low-carbon technologies. We need energy breakthroughs, and Government has a part to play in supporting them."

The rise in independent energy companies and the reduction in market share of the big six energy firms was also emphasised by Mrs Rudd, saying the Conservative majority will relentlessly pursue competition.

She said: “Labour waffle about ‘democratising energy’, we are delivering it.

“We are now seeing local authorities like Nottingham setting up their own energy companies to help their residents get better deals.

“We want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to nurture competition so that it delivers cheaper bills and better customer service.”