Ed Miliband: You Ask The Questions

How do you think the climate change conference in Poznan has gone? ZARA HALE, Oxford

Better than I expected. More important than the specific steps forward is a sense of urgency that we can reach an agreement in Copenhagen at the end of next year for a new global deal on climate change. That is helped by the EU agreement reached in Brussels for a 20 per cent cut in emissions by 2020 and 30 per centwhen we get a global deal. I am also really encouraged by the prospect of determined US leadership from Barack Obama.

Do you agree with the report saying that even if the developed world makes deep cuts, the third world will have to cut their carbon emissions by 60 per cent too? If so, how can they be persuaded? EMILY LORD, Alton

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There are a number of ways of cutting the cake and that will be part of the negotiations. What we need is tough targets from developed countries and actions by developing countries to move away from their current emissions path – what we call "business as usual" emissions. Given the pace at which they are growing and their stage of development, it is much harder for them to achieve overall reductions. The best way I think we can persuade them is through finance to help them reduce their emissions. As a sign of intent, this week developing and developed countries came together to show how we can reduce the impact of deforestation on the climate, whilst supporting those most dependent on the forests for their livelihoods.

Am I wrong to be pessimistic about the fight against climate change in a recession? ANDREW HUNT, Basildon

Yes. But there is no question that the economic situation makes the fight a harder sell. Our task is to argue that we can both invest to grow the economy and tackle emissions. That's why a green industrial strategy is so important, from renewable energy to carbon capture and storage (CCS). The EU decision to invest billions of euros in CCS is part of that.

Would you agree that in the past this government has been too timid on climate change? LEAH SHEPPARD, Dumfries

No. We led the way in a number of areas, including the Climate Change Act, which makes us the first country in the world to legislate for binding and ambitious cuts in emissions, 80 per cent by 2050. But, of course, we need to do more to show we can substantially cut emissions and the new "carbon budgets" we are introducing next year will help do that.

What changes have you made to your lifestyle to lighten your carbon footprint? And what is your guilty green secret? EVE PRENTICE, Halifax

I wouldn't claim to be a paragon of virtue when it comes to my carbon footprint, but I try to do the right things, from energy-saving light bulbs, to turning the television off standby, to recycling. I think we need to do more so people understand how much energy they use and its carbon impact. So-called "smart meters" can give people much better information and I saw from a recent visit to some residents in Green Lane in Leeds the way this can encourage greener, energy-saving behaviour.

How many times have you flown in the past year? And how do you justify all this ministerial jetting – what's wrong with video-conferencing? BRUNO HOUGHTON, Manchester

I have flown a couple of times for holiday this year but I'm sticking firmly to trains at Christmas. The key thing on aviation is that we put a price on its carbon impact, which we are going to be doing under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. As for ministerial meetings, I can't imagine video-conferencing with the nearly 200 countries that were at the climate conference in Poznan. It's hard enough in person. But we do offset all government flights.

What is the point of 80 per cent cuts in emissions and hurting the British economy when other countries are ploughing on regardless? FLORENCE STEELE, Ashby

If we all wait for each other we won't get far. It matters what the UK and the EU does, because as developing country ministers have told me, what we do will have an impact on what those countries bring to the table. That's why I think the EU agreement is so important because it should generate momentum. This week will see Australia propose new climate change targets and I hope that will keep the momentum going.

Aren't your promises on carbon emissions and the Government's policy on airport expansion contradictory? BILL MERTON, London

The most important thing on aviation is that it is taken account of in our targets, and it will be, and that we limit and put a price on carbon from it so that we bear the cost of pollution and there is an incentive to reduce aviation emissions. The simple fact is that if we don't reduce these emissions, we will have to make even bigger cuts elsewhere. Each decision on airport expansion will be considered very carefully by the Government in this context as well as on the basis of economic and other factors.

Does your support for "popular mobilisation" on climate change mean you support the Plane Stupid protesters at Stansted last week? SEAN WESTBURY, Burslem

It wasn't exactly what I had in mind. My general position is that given that there are a range of legitimate, and legal means open to people in our society, I support lawful, peaceful protest not illegal protest. My point was, in particular, that we need a global movement focussed on producing a global deal at Copenhagen.

Most independent experts say your aim of 40 per cent of power generation to be from renewable resources by 2020 is unachievable. How do you propose to do it in 12 years? DANIELLE BROWN, Scarborough

I don't think your numbers are right but the basic point is: we have a big task on renewables. That's why we're planning to improve the financial incentives to make building green energy projects like offshore wind farms and biomass plants more attractive. We're improving access to the national grid and streamlining the planning system. For people thinking of installing their own micro wind turbine or solar panels in the future, I have announced that we will be introducing "feed in tariffs", a guaranteed price at which you can sell electricity back to the grid.

Can you do anything to force the energy companies to reduce bills with oil prices falling? ALEX HARDIE, Sittingbourne

I think it's really important that I stand up for the consumer: that means keeping the lights on and helping to ensure fair prices. That is why I have been urging the energy companies to pass on price cuts as quickly as possible. I'm also determined to see an end to unfair charging practices, for example facing households using pre-payment meters who are paying over the odds. If the companies don't take action voluntarily and the regulator Ofgem can't end these practices, I will consult on legislation.

Has Gordon Brown saved the world? JOANNE TABOR, Aldeburgh

He's led the world in his plan to recapitalise the banking system and help our economy. I think it was Paul Krugman, the Nobel Prize winner, who first pointed to the Prime Minister's global leadership role.

Do you think the cut in VAT by two and a half per cent was £12bn well spent? Or do you agree with the German finance minister that it is foolishly increasing debts that will take a generation to pay off? RICHARD HEPWORTH, Edinburgh

I think it was the right thing to do. Particularly when interest rates are so low, it's right also to use fiscal policy. While 2.5 percent may not sound much, it will put about £12bn into our economy which should be good for demand. Many other countries are also doing what we're doing, putting more cash into the economy. If we don't act, it is more likely that the downturn will last longer.

Do you think we should stop sending Christmas cards and having Christmas trees for environmental reasons? FRANCESCA THOMAS, Wrexham

Good question. I am sending an e-card as a minister but a traditional one in my constituency.

What is the difference between Gordon Brown receiving leaks when in opposition and Damian Green receiving leaks in opposition (apart from the police raid)? SARA FAISAL, Newcastle

I absolutely defend the right of Opposition spokespeople to get information by legitimate means. In this case, there is a police inquiry and I think it is right to leave it to them for now.

Do you have any desire to be Prime Minister? WILLIAM BIRD, LIVERPOOL

I've got enough on my plate working towards Britain meeting its climate targets, getting an international deal and ensuring secure and affordable energy for people.

Please place in order of greatness the following Labour prime ministers: MacDonald, Attlee, Wilson, Callaghan, Blair and Brown? CAMERON WALKER, JEDBURGH

All did/are doing great things, but Macdonald went rather off-track with the national government! Attlee is much underestimated.